Getting Started - The Research Process - LibGuides at Columbus State Community College

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What's in This Guide

This guide will lead you through the general research process. Most often you will 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. Choose a Topic
Develop Research Questions | Identify Keywords | Find Background Info | Refine a Topic

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

Step 3. Evaluate & Analyze
Primary vs. Secondary Sources | Databases vs. Internet | Types of Periodicals

Step 4. Use & Organize Information
Paraphrasing | Notetaking

Step 5. Follow Legal, Ethical & Moral Standards
Plagiarism | Citation Styles | Copyright