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Brainstorms & Blueprints
Teaching Library Research as a Thinking Process


Overview of the Process

The ten-step research process presented in this book can be used by students of any age for any library research. Each step of the process includes specific study and thinking skills as well as teaching and learning strategies.

At critical points in the process, reflection points direct students to evaluate the work they have just completed. If problems are apparent, students revise of re-perform the previous research-process step until they are able to answer the reflection=point questions satisfactorily.

An overview of the research process is listed below:

Step 1:

Choose a broad topic.

Step 2:

Get an overview of the topic.

Step 3:

Narrow the topic.
Reflection Point: Is my topic a good one?

Step 4:

Develop a thesis or statement of purpose.
Reflection Point: Does my thesis of statement of putpose represent an effective, overall concept for my research?

Step 5:

Formulate questions to guide research.
Reflection Point: Do the questions provide a foundation for my research?

Step 6:

Plan for research and production.
Reflection Point: Is the research / production plan workable?

Step 7:

Find / Analyze / Evaluate sources.
Reflection Point: Are my sources usable and adequate?

Step 8:

Evaluate evidence / Take notes / Compile bibliography.
Reflection Point: Is my research complete?

Step 9:

Establish conclusions / Organize information into an outline.
Reflection Point: Are my conclusions based on researched evidence?
Does my outline logically organize conclusions and evidence?

Step 10:

Create and present final product.
Reflection Point: Is my paper / project satisfactory?

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