Research

Research is studious inquiry or examinations. It is the search for things you don't understand, things you can't comprehend. More specifically, it is careful or diligent search. It is the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions. Basically, it is the collecting of new information about a particular subject and finding out resources needed to get results.

Steps in research skills:

- Define your topic

- Select your sources

- Search and locate materials

- Evaluate sources

- Use ethically

Keyword building:

- Singular/plural

- Alternative spelling

- Synonyms

- Abbreviations

Resources:

- References

- Print books and journals

- Online resources

- Internet resources

Types of databases:

- General interest

- Discipline-specific

- Subject-specific

- Statistical

- News

- Reference

Evaluate sources (CRAAP):

- Currency

- Relevance

- Authority

- Accuracy

- Purpose