The academic research cycle is a deliberate and enlightened process by which men and women of learning pursue the advancement of knowledge. It commences with that noble spark of curiosity—an earnest desire to inquire into a question or to resolve a difficulty—accompanied by the diligent examination of prior works, so that one may understand the matter in its proper context. From this foundation, the scholar refines the object of study and devises a method most likely to yield sound and reliable conclusions. The labor then proceeds to the careful gathering of evidence, the judicious weighing of its merit, and the drawing of conclusions supported by reason and fact. These are set forth in a manner both orderly and coherent, that they may be shared through writing, address, or other means with the community of the learned. Once published, such work invites the sober review, correction, and improvement of others, thereby ensuring that our common store of knowledge is not fixed, but is ever examined, enlarged, and perfected with the passing of time.
Research Question & Topic:
Use reference sources like encyclopedias, dictionaries, and handbooks or even the internet to get a general overview of your topic. Use this information to help narrow and focus your research topic, and generate keywords.
Searching & Sources:
What did you find? Use these to evaluate your sources:
What went right? What went wrong? Use reflection to keep improving as you move on to your next paper or project!
Write Online was designed by writing experts from three universities who work with students on a daily basis. Our guides introduce you to the particularities of these genres, provide practical strategies for you to try in your own writing, and use model texts to help you better understand the organization, format, and language used in each of these types of writing.
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