Research+Step+Four+-+Refine+and+Continue



Step Four: Refine and Continue Your Research
Review your research question/thesis, and examine your notes and bibliography.

Ask yourself: >What do I need to know? >What information am I missing? >Have I looked at a variety of sources? Do I now need to find __scholarly articles__ or __primary sources__? Do I need a __book__ (print or online) for more in-depth information? >Has my view about my topic changed in light of my research? >Do I need to revise my research question knowing what I know now(broaden or narrow my topic, or start over)? >Can I answer my topic and supporting questions with the information I have collected?

After reviewing your notes and answering the above questions, you may not end up writing the paper your originally intended. Your focus may have changed after you have discovered new information.

Come up with further questions for investigation.

Check in with your teacher or librarian to make sure you are on track.

Go back to Steps Two and Three to fill in any gaps in your research. Once you have done this, move to [|Step Five].