1. Research Process
AHS LIBRARY

2. Research Outline Chose a Topic Identifying Sources
Broadening or Narrowing a Topic
Evaluating Sources
Using Information Responsibly
Citing Sources
Beginning course details and/or books/materials needed for a class/project.

3. Always keep your purpose in mind

4. Topic Brainstorming Ideas: Choose a topic or topics which interest you
Jot down key words related to that topic
Think of possible sources for information on that topic
If your topic covers a broad subject, consider how you will be narrowing your focus
I your subject is narrow, how will you broaden your research?
Introductory notes.

5. Identifying Sources
Determine all possible sources of information on this topic
Databases
Encyclopedias
Non-fiction titles
Graphs, Charts
Journal Articles
Dictionaries
Primary Sources
RELIABLE online resources

6. RELIABLE Online Resources
RESEARCH = To search again
Information can be found in multiple places, i.e. information can be verified
Information is current with live links
Author has expert knowledge in the field
Consider any bias the article may have
Be wary of “fake news”

7. Evaluating Sources
After identifying potential sources, evaluate which ones best fit your needs
Consider your topic, i.e. a current event will not be found in a book
Is there an author or publishing organization with contact information listed?

8. Evaluating Sources (continued)
Are links provided live, and to reputable sources?
Does this site provide citations for it’s sources of information?
Is the author providing you with unbiased information or his viewpoint?
Is the website free from grammatical errors?

9. Using Information Responsibly
Use the note taking method that serves you best.
As you are taking notes, be sure to document which information comes from which resource. You will need that information later to cite your sources

10. Citing Sources
Gather all the sources that you have referred to throughout your paper
Alphabetize the sources by the first item in the entry
Use the citation method as instructed by your teacher (MLA or APA)
Go to and select the citation method for an example of a correctly formatted paper with citations

11. Any Questions?
See