Special thanks is extended to Lori Micho from the JWU Denver Campus Library for creating and sharing the template for this guide.
The "Research Cycle" typically includes five broad steps. Most often you complete one step before moving onto the next. However, there may be times when you will need to return to a previous step or complete multiple steps simultaneously.
Step 1. Develop a topic
Selecting a Topic | Develop Research Questions | Identify Keywords | Find Background Information | Refine a Topic
Step 2. Locate information
Find Books | Find Videos | Find Articles | Find Websites | Search Strategies
Step 3. Evaluate and analyze information and sources
Evaluate Sources | Primary vs Secondary Sources | Types of Periodicals
Step 4. Write, organize and communicate information
Notetaking | Paraphrasing
Step 5. Reporting your Results: Citing Sources
Plagiarism | Citing| Copyright
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations by This guide is intended to help you understand the steps and processes involved with research starting from developing your topic or problem and ending with the writing up of your findings. To search for specific information on your topic, check out our Subject Guides.