Collecting Your Information

Collecting the information for your topic is the most critical part of the research process. Finding the best and most appropriate sources requires patience, judgment, and know-how.

Okay.... You've explored your subject area enough to settle on a good topic statement. You know the perspective you plan to take. You understand the types of sources you can expect to find. Now you're ready to begin gathering the information to really develop your ideas.

Knowing where to begin depends entirely on your understanding of the topic, including the issues and jargon of that field of study, the literature, and the resources that are available. There's no single process or methodology that will fit every research project, even if they're on the same general topic.

Research, by its nature, is a very dynamic and personal process, as unique as your own thoughts. The information you gather should reflect your interests and your needs, as they relate to your topic. Depending on the factors unique to your research, you must decide whether you need comprehensive background information, current information on recent developments, or single-fact information as evidence to support a position or claim.

Different types of information require different access tools.

You may want to:

• Start with a library catalog to identify retrospective materials that will help you get a better feel for the subject area, or ...
• Choose an index to identify current journal articles on a specific aspect of the topic, or ...
• Use an Internet search engine to help you locate relevant web sites.

Although many resources are now available via the Web, many others, such as print indexes and CD-ROM databases, may be available only in specific locations.