Hamilton Heights High School Library

Searching for information is a process that seldom goes in a straight line. As new information is found, it changes and redirects the search strategy. This page will serve as reinforcement for search strategy skills taught at the high school.

Part One -- Selecting a Topic

A good start is very important. Don't short-change yourself on this part of the research process. Choose something that you are interested in and that you want to learn more about. Visit the topic selection page for some specific ideas.

Part Two -- Gathering Information

Once you have a topic idea, you will want to start gathering information. Remember, the purpose of research is to gather facts, expert opinion and examples to support points that YOU make. This is the key to avoiding plagiarism.

Although some preliminary research and reading may be necessary to give yourself the background necessary to understand your topic, you should think about what you want to say and the points that you want to make BEFORE researching. Then you can target your research using search engines and subject directories  to find web sites,  paid databases to find newspaper and magazine articles; and OPAC to find library books (use the OPAC button on the desktop of any library computer). The sources you will use depends on your topic and what you are looking for. For example, an excellent resource may be a personal interview. Think about what kinds of information you are looking for rather than just "do" research.

If you would like some help developing your searching skills on the Internet, The Spider's Apprentice has a nice search strategy guide at http://www.monash.com/spidap1.html.

Part Three -- Evaluating Inforamation

This part of the research process goes on simultaneously with gathering information. On the open Internet, you must be especially careful. Visit the Evaluating Web Sites page for more information on checking your sources for currency, authority, accuracy and objectivity.

Part Four -- Processing Information

Periodically you will want to stop your research to evaluate what you have already found and think about what else you still need to know. A preliminary outline or a writing plan will help guide future research.

Part Five -- Writing your Works Cited Page

Although you may not need to do this until after you have written your paper, don't wait until the last minute to complete this time consuming task. The MLA Citation Page gives hints on streamlining this process.