1.3 The Research Process

An iterative loop

Research isn't linear. You question, gather, analyze, and refine — often looping back to revise your question as you learn more.

Note-taking & tracking

Keep organized notes and track every source as you go (author, title, date, where found) so you can cite accurately and avoid losing information.

Academic integrity

Attribute all ideas and evidence to their sources. Presenting others' work as your own is plagiarism — a serious violation. Cite consistently in a standard style (MLA, APA).

Key terms

Iterative research

question → gather → analyze → refine, looping

Source tracking

record author, title, date, location as you go

Plagiarism

presenting others' work as your own

Attribution

crediting the source of ideas and evidence

Citation styles

MLA, APA — consistent formats for crediting sources

Try an AP-style question

Research is best described as…

1. a single straight line
2. writing without sources
3. an iterative, recursive process
4. one search and done