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Research Process: Home

No matter what stage of the research process you're at--only beginning, stuck in the middle, or finishing up with citation polishing--this guide is a great resource for you.

Research Process Overview

Todd Wehr Memorial Library at Viterbo UniversityWelcome to the library's guide to the research process. Please use the tabs above (or the links below) to navigate through this tutorial.

The research process typically includes five broad steps. Most often you complete one step before moving onto the next. However, there may be times when you will need to return to a previous step or complete multiple steps simultaneously.

Step 1. Develop a Topic
Select a Topic | Develop Research Questions | Identify Keywords | Find Background Information | Refine a Topic

Step 2. Locate Information
Find Books | Find Videos | Find Articles | Find Websites | Search Strategies

Step 3. Evaluate and Analyze Information and Sources
Evaluate Sources | Primary vs. Secondary Sources | Types of Periodicals

Step 4. Using your Resources Legally and Ethically
Plagiarism | Citation Style | Copyright | Using Your Resources


Ready to begin? Click on Step 1!

Research Process Overview: Video

CONTINUE...

We would like to thank the Denver Campus Library, Johnson & Wales University for the use of some sections of this guide.

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  Reach us at the Viterbo Library by phone, email or chat.

Main Desk: 608-796-3269 | Reference Desk: 608-796-3270 | Reference Email: reference@viterbo.edu

Library Website: http://www.viterbo.edu/library

How to Use this Tutorial

Begin with Step 1 and click on the "next" links after reviewing the information on each page. At the end of each Step, you may comment or enter a brief survey to help us refine this tutorial. 

Feel free to jump around by using the tabs above:

Need some help? Click on the "contact us" tab above or chat below.