Research Process

    1. Define and Refine the Problem or Question

    • Identify an information need
    • Formulate and refine effective research questions

    2. Locate and Evaluate Resources

    • Locate relevant sources
    • Evaluate the sources for authority, accuracy, credibility, timeliness and relevance

    3. Record and Organize Data

    • Search sources effectively
    • Retrieve relevant information in an ethical manner
    • Organize findings

    4. Ethically interpret and analyze data and information

    • Synthesize information and findings
    • Generate new understandings

    5. Share Findings and Conclusions

    • Articulate findings and new understandings effectively and ethically
    • Reflect and evaluate on the research process

    For more information on the research process, see the Maryland State Information Literacy Curriculum.