Getting Started with Research
Research may seem overwhelming at first, but it’s really a process of curiosity and discovery — asking questions, exploring ideas, and finding evidence to support your thinking. Whether you’re preparing for a class assignment, a literature review, or a research project, this guide will help you move from idea to finished product with confidence.
What Is Research?
At its core, research is about inquiry and interpretation. In English, this could mean exploring texts, ideas, and cultural contexts to create your own informed argument or perspective.
Good research involves more than collecting sources — it’s about finding, evaluating, and synthesizing information to make meaning and support your ideas.
You can think of it as a cycle rather than a straight line:
Each step is explained in more detail throughout this guide - start exploring the navigation bar to build your research skills!
As you read sources, ask:
- What questions or ideas recur? Do the sources focus on the same points, or do they look at the issue from different angles?
- How does each source relate to others? Does it confirm or challenge the findings of past research?
- Where do the sources agree or disagree?
Want to see an example of an effective synthesis? Check out Synthesizing Sources | Examples & Synthesis Matrix by Scribbr.
Planning Ahead
Planning ahead makes research less stressful and more manageable. It helps you stay organized, meet deadlines, and produce stronger work.
Understand the Assignment
Before you start, make sure you know exactly what’s expected.
- Read the assignment carefully and note details like length, sources, and citation style.
- Note any special requirements (e.g., scholarly sources or specific topics).
- Ask your professor if anything is unclear — questions early save time later.
Break the Project into Smaller Steps
Research is easier when you treat it as a series of mini-goals instead of one big task. Try dividing your project into steps such as:
- Choosing and narrowing your topic
- Do some background reading
- Develop a research question or thesis
- Finding sources
- Evaluate the sources
- Take notes and organize information
- Create an outline
- Drafting and revising your paper
- Cite your sources as you write
Small steps make steady progress and prevent last-minute stress.
Set a Simple Timeline
Plan backward from your due date and give yourself small deadlines for each task.
| Week | Focus |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Choose topic and write research question |
| Week 2 | Find and evaluate sources |
| Week 3 | Outline and draft your paper |
| Week 4 | Revise and finalize |
Keeping a visual timeline in your planner or calendar helps you see what’s next and stay on track.
Stay Flexible
Plans don’t have to be perfect. If something takes longer than expected, adjust your timeline and keep moving forward. The key is to start early and give yourself time to think, write, and revise.
In short: A little planning goes a long way toward less stress and better results.