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NSF LEARN - Interdisciplinary

Research Cycle

The Research Cycle

The Library Research Cycle

2. Background

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.

3. Finding Your Way

4. Evaluating

What did you find? Use these to evaluate your sources:

5. Putting It All Together

6. Reflection

What went right? What went wrong? Use reflection to keep improving as you move on to your next paper or project!

Scholarship is a Conversation

Write Online: Academic Writing

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.

Last updated on Jun 25, 2025 2:48 PM - Guide Creator(s)