* Select a broad subject area. This will probably be dictated by the content of the class.
* Find an idea concerning that subject area that sparks your interest.
* Identify and read some background material. Use what you find to help focus your research on a specific topic.
* Construct a research question that you wish to answer.
Complete your first draft. Read it through.
* Are there still any ends dangling?
* Can you rearrange your material to present it more effectively?
* Have you stated your thesis clearly? Do your ideas flow smoothly?
* Using your research question, develop a preliminary research strategy.
* Use your strategy to identify sources of information. Gather your sources and read them. Take notes.
Write down questions your reading has rasied in your mind.
* Use what you have learned to refine your search strategy and gather more information.
* Using the information you have found, draft a research proposal.
Once you have your proposal written, you should have a good idea about where you want the project to go. Continue gathering information, reading, and refining your search.
Have you:
- Identified the prominent authorities and prevailing schools of thought on your topic?
- Identified issues and relationships within the topic?
- Found articles reflecting current research and thought on the topic?
Using what you have learned, draft a thesis statement and list the major points that you wish to cover.
Go back over your sources and evaluate them critically. Consider the author's point of view and degree of expertise. Use what you have learned to place each article in context.
Organize our reference list.
Make an outline and begin writing a first draft. What questions do you still need to answer.