Informal Methods of Research

Here's what I would say if someone asked me about my research methods and how I approach writing a paper:

Use online resources of course but, you still can't beat walking around in the stacks. Why? Because you may run across something you weren't initially looking for and the source may be even more useful. Find everything you can; especially primary (original) sources- to me, this is what research is all about. Devour them all, collecting any pertinent information and peripheral information. This takes time, patience, and voracious reading. When said materials are exhausted, proceed with sifting through the deluge; molding, bending, twisting, and fitting the information into your outline which will ultimately uphold and support your thesis.

Collect

Exhaust

Formulate

Organize

Create

Cite anything that is not your original idea even if it is not a direct quote, all the while interjecting your original, critical observations.

Sounds easy right? Well it's not.