LibGuides: Information Literacy at Idaho State University: College Research

Research Process

What does research look like?

The Research Process in 7 Steps (1:42)
The Research Process (8:49)
Skip to the 3:04 mark to start the video on the research process.
Kuhlthau's Information Search Process (2:06)
Recognize the stages of research and common feelings experienced by researchers.
Information Search Process
Carol Kulthau's Information Search Process (ISP) is explained and diagramed to help researchers understand the common emotions that accompany the process.

The Information Cycle

The Information Cycle: A Krueger Library Video (3:16)
Information Cycle: What Is the Information Cycle?
See an infographic and video that explain the information cycle.
Understanding the Information Cycle (2:29)
This video explains why it is useful to understand the information cycle.

Student walking on path in the countryside

Tutorials

ResearchPath Tutorial: Module 1, College Level Research
Start smart by learning what you need to know for academic success at the college level.
ResearchPath Tutorial: Module 2, Define and Refine Your Topic
Learn techniques that will help you to define and refine your research topic.
ResearchPath Tutorial: Module 3, Using OneSearch
Learn how to use the search box tool to locate scholarly sources relevant to your topic.
ResearchPath Tutorial: Module 4, Using the Internet
Learn how to analyze internet sources using Information Literacy principles.
ResearchPath Tutorial: Module 5, Citing Sources
Learn how to begin citing sources correctly and how the correct attribution of sources affects academia.

The University Libraries is working to update this tutorial and all of its modules. A couple of the links in the videos are broken. Please use the following links:

Go to University Tutoring for help writing your papers
View the current Student Code of Conduct

Begin to Write

Construct Your Argument or Exploratory Essay

There is no harm in beginning to write, even before you have completed your research, just as you should probably continue to research once you start crafting your paper.

Below are some suggestions for first steps:

Purdue OWL: "Where do I Begin?"
How to write different types of research papers, choose topics, and find sources.
Purdue OWL: "Invention: Starting the Writing Process"

Understand your due dates, rhetorical elements, purpose, and pre-writing strategies
Steps in Writing a Research Paper: SUNY Empire State College
Good tips on incorporating quotes and writing summaries.
Creating an Outline - University of Kansas Writing Center
Explains how a working outline helps you organize and manage your sources and provides a sample outline
Incorporating References - University of Kansas Writing Center
Provides guidance on how to use quotes and evidence from your sources
Help with Writing Research Papers - George Mason University
Good common sense that will help you keep your sanity in tact
Writing Center - Idaho State University
Schedule an appointment for one-one-one help with your drafts.