Conference Paper Stage II: Collecting the Research

Literature Search Process:
1. Define the research problem (topic).
2. Utilize only peer-reviewed primary and secondary sources.
3. Search a few relevant secondary resources to get an overview of the work that has been done on the topic. (See extensive references in reviews of research such as; Encyclopedia of Educational Research, Handbook of Research on … , and Review of Educational Research.)
4. Formulate search terms, key words, and phrases.
5. Search the general references for relevant primary sources.
6. Obtain and read the primary sources.

Suggestions for Reading Articles & Collecting Essential Information:
1. Read the abstract and decide whether the article is worth reading in its entirety.
2. Record the bibliographic data for your reference list. (APA format)
3. Note essential information in each part of the study:
a. Problem being studied
b. Research questions or hypotheses
(List them exactly as stated in article.)
c. Research procedures
(Describe methodology used, subjects, how they were selected, instruments used, and design of study.)
d. Findings
(List major findings and indicate whether or not they supported hypotheses.)
e. Conclusions
(Describe author's conclusions. If you disagree with the author, note your reasons. List strengths and weaknesses of the study that make the results applicable or limited with regard to your research question.)

Reference
Fraenkel, J. R. & Wallen, N. E. (1993). How to design and evaluate research in education (2nd edition). New York: McGraw-Hill.