Below is a guide to help you research smarter and gain a better understanding of your sources and source selection process.

1. The first step in the research process is identification of the problem you are trying to solve.  This requires written acknowledgment of what you are looking for and why.   Spend some time thinking about this and write down at least three detailed reasons.  The more work you do on the front end will save you time in the long run.

 Here are some questions to help guide this process:

• Do you need an answer to a question?
• Are you trying to prove or disprove a fact or hypothesis?
• Are you collecting information to compare and contrast?

1. After you have determined the problem statement or research question, consider what you might already know about the subject of inquiry.  I often complete this step by brainstorming in two categories: material information…