Research Skills for Developing Writers: Summary & Additional Resources

Following the research process will help you choose the best sources for your research assignment.  Selecting an interesting topic is important because your topic is the basis for the rest of your work.  Performing some background research to gather basic information will help you develop your research question.  All of the information you collect, read, and analyze will be used to support your research question.  You can begin to synthesize the information by taking notes, choosing quotes, listing APA references, and paraphrasing important ideas.  When you are ready to organize and prepare your project, talk to your instructor or a librarian to discuss ideas about the best way to present your research for the assignment.