The information on this guide is intended to help new researchers, as well as anyone who wants a refresher, to approach each stage of the research process thoughtfully and strategically. The four stages we cover are (1) asking questions, (2) locating sources, (3) evaluating sources, and (4) presenting findings.
While the research process stages are presented here one after another, in reality, you are likely to visit some of them more than once during the process. For example:
As you gain experience with academic research, you will grow more comfortable with moving among these stages as needed.
If you are uncertain about any of the following questions, check with your professor. The requirements of your assignment help to guide your decisions throughout the research process.
Give yourself time to locate, gather, and read the most relevant information sources.
Your choice of sources, and how you use them, may differ depending on whether you are providing information, trying to persuade an audience, or evaluating someone else's argument.
Longer, more in-depth projects require more research than short papers and presentations.
Each professor and each assignment may have different requirements.
Commonly used styles at Shenandoah include APA, MLA, Chicago, and AMA.
Talk to your professor when you have questions about your assignment. Librarians can help with locating and accessing sources. The Writing Center can help you practice writing about information from sources.