Basic Research Strategies: Home

The research process typically includes five broad steps. Most often you complete one step before moving onto the next. However, there may be times when you will need to return to a previous step or complete multiple steps simultaneously.

Step 1. Develop a topic
Selecting a Topic | Develop Research Questions | Identify Keywords | Find Background Information | Refine a Topic

Step 2. Locate information
Find Books | Find Videos | Find Articles | Find Websites | Search Strategies

Step 3. Evaluate and analyze information and sources
Evaluate Sources | Primary v Secondary Sources | Types of Periodicals

Step 4. Use, organize and communicate information
Paraphrasing | Notetaking

Step 5. Complies with legal, ethical and moral standards
Plagiarism | MLA Citation Style | Works Cited Examples | Copyright

Video and program notes have been posted with permission from Bob Baker, Library Director, Pima Community College.

Information Literacy: Episode 1 Series Overview