Grade: Grade 12 Subject: English Language Arts Unit: Research Project Lesson: 1 of 6 SAT: Information+Ideas ACT: Reading

Research Methodology

Develop a systematic approach to academic research, from formulating research questions to planning your investigation strategy.

Learn

Successful research projects begin with careful planning and a clear methodology. This lesson introduces you to the foundational skills needed to conduct rigorous academic research at the college level.

Key Concepts

  • Research Questions: How to formulate focused, arguable questions that drive investigation
  • Source Types: Understanding primary vs. secondary sources and when to use each
  • Database Navigation: Effective strategies for searching academic databases
  • Research Planning: Creating timelines and organizing your research process
  • Ethical Research: Understanding plagiarism, intellectual property, and academic integrity

The Research Process

Follow these stages for effective research:

  1. Topic Selection: Choose a subject that interests you and meets assignment requirements
  2. Background Research: Build foundational knowledge before narrowing your focus
  3. Question Formulation: Develop a specific, researchable question
  4. Source Gathering: Collect diverse, credible sources
  5. Analysis: Evaluate and synthesize information
  6. Argument Development: Construct your thesis and supporting points

Examples

Example 1: Narrowing a Topic

Too broad: "Climate change"

Better: "Climate change's impact on agriculture"

Research-ready: "How is climate change affecting crop yields in the American Midwest, and what adaptation strategies are farmers implementing?"

Example 2: Primary vs. Secondary Sources

Primary sources: Original documents, data, or creative works

  • Historical documents (letters, speeches, treaties)
  • Scientific data and original research studies
  • Literary works, artwork, films
  • Interviews, surveys, first-hand accounts

Secondary sources: Analysis or interpretation of primary sources

  • Scholarly articles analyzing historical events
  • Review articles synthesizing multiple studies
  • Textbooks and encyclopedias
  • Literary criticism and art analysis

Practice

Complete these exercises to develop your research methodology skills.

1. Select a broad topic area that interests you. Write three progressively narrower versions, ending with a specific research question.

2. For your research question, identify what types of sources (primary and secondary) would be most valuable. List specific examples you might seek.

3. Create a list of 5-7 keywords and search terms related to your research question. Include synonyms and related concepts.

4. Access your school library's academic database. Conduct a search using Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) and document your search strategy.

5. Draft a research timeline that includes: topic selection, preliminary research, source gathering, reading and note-taking, drafting, revision, and final submission.

6. Evaluate a potential source using the CRAAP test (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, Purpose). Document your analysis.

7. Identify three potential challenges you might face in your research and brainstorm solutions for each.

8. Write a brief research proposal (one paragraph) outlining your question, approach, and expected sources.

9. Compare two academic databases available through your library. What are the strengths of each for your research topic?

10. Review your institution's academic integrity policy. Summarize the key points about proper source use and citation.

Check Your Understanding

Reflect on these questions to assess your readiness.

  1. What makes a research question effective? How do you know if your question is too broad or too narrow?
  2. When would you prioritize primary sources over secondary sources, and vice versa?
  3. What strategies can you use when initial database searches yield too few or too many results?
  4. How does creating a research timeline help ensure project success?
  5. What constitutes plagiarism, and how can you avoid it while still building on others' ideas?

Next Steps

  • Finalize your research question and get feedback from your instructor
  • Begin gathering sources using the strategies learned in this lesson
  • Set up a system for organizing your notes and sources
  • Continue to the next lesson: Writing a Thesis Paper