Res+Step+Two

=Step Two: Plan Your Reseach=

Develop A Research Question
Effective research means answering specific questions, not just collecting facts. A topic question will help you develop a thesis statement and focus your research. A good research question is one that can be debated. **(Do not develop a thesis until later in the research process.)**

** Develop More Questions **
== Refer back to your topic question, and brainstorm more questions that will help you answer your topic question. They should address the what, when, where, why and how about your topic. Think about what you already know and what you need to know. ==

Add to Your List of Keywords Look at your newly created questions, and add words or short phrases to your keyword list. This will help with your search for information.

**Identify Relevant Material** What kind of information do you need? ( **facts, opinions, research studies, statistics, interviews, history, news reports, pictures** )

Brainstorm a List of Possible Sources Consider the following: Prioritize the sources on your list by numbering them in the order that you will use them.
 * Books (print and electronic)
 * Reference Books
 * Magazines
 * Newspapers (current and historical)
 * Maps or Atlases
 * People
 * Government Documents
 * Site visits (to museums, etc.)
 * Television Programs
 * Radio Programs
 * Sound Recordings
 * Videos
 * Library Databases
 * Websites


 * Keep in mind that a variety of sources will produce a balanced and more interesting paper. Don't rely too much on one source.**


 * You** **are now ready to begin the next step, Step Three, Begin Your Research.**