There are various steps and stages to research. Here we highlight the six stage Information Search Process (ISP) and a basic seven step approach to the research and writing process. You will bring your own experience and strategies to these, but hopefully this provides a greater sense of what to expect as you engage in assigned research projects and papers. Check out other tabs above for specific research and writing information and strategies.
Searching for information for an assignment includes a variety of stages and emotions. Librarian and educator Carol Kuhlthau (2004) developed a six stage model of this process, calling it the Information Search Process (ISP). To create this model, Kuhlthau studied a group of High School students from the time a research project was first assigned, to its completion. We include a summary of the model here so that you have a better understanding of the process and emotions you may be navigating when you search for information.
1. Initiation: This is when you recognize your need for information; generally when you first see the assignment. Often you will feel uncertainty and even anxiety at this initial stage of the process.
2. Selection: This is where you start considering potential topics. Feelings during this stage can range from anxiety, to anticipation, to even excitement.
3. Exploration: This where you start investigating your topic at a general level. You have not yet formed your specific question. You may feel confusion, uncertainty, or even overwhelmed.
4. Formulation: This is where you take the general information you have found and form a focus -- your question or your hypothesis. During this stage you may feel optimistic and confident in your ability to complete the task.
5. Collection: Here you gather, interact with, and compile information to support your focus. You may continue to feel confidence and also notice a building interest in your chosen focus.
6. Presentation: This is where you take the found information and pull it together to complete your assignment. You will often feel relief and satisfaction, but may also experience disappointment if you are unhappy with the end results.
References
Kuhlthau, C. (2018). Information search process. http://wp.comminfo.rutgers.edu/ckuhlthau/information-search-process/
Kuhlthau, C. C. (2004). The information search process. In Seeking meaning: A process approach to library and information services (2nd ed.) (pp. 29-52). Libraries Unlimited.
Library staff want to help you as you navigate the research process. We recognize that there are mixed emotions attached and that different people will need support at different stages. You are never bothering us when you ask for help. It's the best part of our day!
Writing a paper includes a number of steps. Here we outline the basic steps in the research and writing process. You'll notice that they line up somewhat with the stages outlined in Kuhlthau's ISP model.
It is important to recognize that this process is not always linear and at times students need to revisit previous steps as they learn more and move through the process.
Research can be organized by headings/subheadings or common themes that support your thesis or research question. Here are a few ideas on how to do that:
1. Use cue cards to write down pieces of information and/or quotes and organize these into categories. You can lay them out on the ground or a table and then place them piles accordingly. These piles will form the various sections of your paper/project.
2. Assign different colours to different categories/subheadings and then colour code your notes accordingly (e.g., with highlighting or post it notes). Each colour makes up the different sections of your paper/project.
3. Create a document with your thesis at the top and each of your supporting points as subheadings. Transcribe relevant notes into the appropriate sections.
Tip: Always include page numbers and sources with your notes (i.e., on each cue card) and start a working bibliography so you can add references as you go. It is easier to delete a reference you do not use than to track down a source you have already returned to the library and not recorded.
For a great site that offers more details and ideas on how to organize your research, visit What’s the best way to organize my research? from Beryl Ivey Library at Brescia University College.