The seven steps outline a simple and effective strategy for finding information for a research paper and documenting the sources you find.
STEP 1: Identify and Develop topic
State your topic as a topic.
Identify the main concepts or keywords in your question.
STEP2: Find Background Information
Look up keywords in the indexes to subject encyclopedias.
Read articles in these encyclopedias.
Note for any relevant items in these articles’ bibliographies.
STEP 3: Use catalogues to find books and Media
Use keywords searching for a narrow or complex search topic.
Use subject searching for a broad subject.
Note the citation (author, title, etc.) and the location (shelf in the library).
Note the circulation status.
Scan the book’s bibliography for addition sources.
STEP 4: Use indexes to find periodical articles
Use periodical indexes and abstracts to find citations to articles.
Choose indexes and format best suited to a particular topic.
You can search for periodical articles by author, title or keywords.
STEP 5: Find internet resources
Use search engines and subject directories to locate materials on the web.
STEP 6: Evaluate what you find
Distinguish between Scholarly from Non-Scholarly Periodicals.
STEP 7: Cite what you find using a standard format
Give credit where credit is due.
Acknowledge information fully and accurately.
Knowingly representing the work of others as your own plagiarism.
The Harvard system of referencing is preferred.
WHY INCLUDE REFERENCE
It shows that you have done some research and have found relevant information.
It shows that you have supported your points properly.