RESEARCH


Locating, Reviewing, Compiling, and Using Research Properly

No matter what age you are or what level of schooling you are attending, everyone knows that research is an important part of the writing process.

While we may find sites and content that are directed toward a younger audience (some would consider the age-level beneath them), we must remember that it is through our primary years that we learn the standards and basics for information and education on any topic or in any field.

The Bible states in 1 Timothy 4:12, "Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity".  Parents and teachers often spend the most energy and effort in providing quality guidance for youth because they are most receptive and 'geared' toward learning "speech, conduct, love, and purity" at this age.

Therefore, when it comes to locating research to gather ideas to help structure claims in a paper one is about to write, it is necessary to consider all avenues of research (even middle school sites) as long as they are reliable and credible.  Please don't let your age or pride of your schooling years stop you from accessing and using sites with content that may prove useful.

This said, I want to introduce you to a website created by a retired librarian.  She has developed a site for research collection and independent learning aimed at middle school students.  While you will want to use audience appropriate sources in your writing, the avenues you use--such as going through a middle school-focused site--should be valued on their content and not the age-group the collection was assembled for.


Virtual Library


Reference Books






Research is an important skill to have, and it is one that must be developed properly for it to be used wisely. See the links below to go to sites that explain how to collect, sort, and use quality research.

Items to Know About Research




Avoid Plagiarism

  • Keep careful research notes and keep track of citations and where your information comes from.
  • Copy and paste judiciously.

  • Remember that most of the words you are using should be yours. Quotes from sources should be used to bolster your ideas, not to form the whole essay.

  • If you paraphrase or quote, you need to cite.  Other people's ideas need to be credited as well as their quoted words.



Research Writing 

Understand the research process and learn to sort and compile the information and compose a thesis-driven research paper.

Begin the research process the right way and learn how to sort through the information and prepare your outline.

Learn how to clarify and maintain your focus in your research paper that expedites the writing process.

Start to understand and identify how to correctly use in-text citations, footnotes and reference pages.

Compile your research in an organizational fashion to compose a thesis-driven research paper.

View all guides and worksheets in the Research Writing category.



Articles and Resources in the Research Writing Category

Choosing Research Paper Topics: Reading for Information | View Worksheet
Learn about how to choose research paper topics by going through a series of steps to form ideas and pick the most viable topic.
Conducting Research and Gathering Information | View Worksheet
Learn how to go about conducting research and gathering information to engage in structured searching based on a plan that makes the process smoother.
Note-Taking Strategies, Note-Taking Methods and Why They Matter | View Worksheet
Learn about note-taking strategies and note-taking methods to make keeping track of information easier and more organized while researching your paper.
Developing a Strong Thesis Statement | View Worksheet
Learn how to develop a strong thesis statement that challenges your readers to think and stays both specific and focused.
Evaluating and Analyzing Data From Primary Research | View Worksheet
Practice completing data analysis of primary research by answering questions that help interpret data for inclusion in a research paper.
Using the Invisible Web to Find Information | View Worksheet
Finding Articles From Scholarly Journals in Online Databases | View Worksheet
Practice finding scholarly journal articles from online databases of academic journals to find resources for your research paper that are reliable and valid.
Exploring Research Paper Topics: Forming the Focus | View Worksheet
Learn the process of forming a focus for research paper topics, and make sifting through information to narrow your topic down easier.
Clarifying the Focus of Your Thesis Statement | View Worksheet
Learn how to clarify and focus your thesis statement through a few simple steps that require you to ask questions and show supporting points.
Staying on Topic: Rough Draft vs. Outline | View Worksheet
Practice comparing a rough draft and an outline to help determine if you are keeping your research paper on topic.  More basic grammar information 

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