Throughout the investigation you should be using research methods to find information. There are three research methods you should use to answer your research question;

1. formulating sub-questions
2. collecting sources of information
3. recording information using research notes

A. Sub-Questions – Deciding What to Research

To help you with this process, it is a good idea to formulate sub-questions. These are more specific questions that help you break the main research question down into smaller, more manageable, pieces. Let’s look at an example;

Research Question: To what extent was Germany truly responsible for causing World War One?

Sub-questions:

• What were the causes of World War One?
• Why do some people think Germany was responsible for World War One?
• When did World War One happen?
• How did World War One start?
• Which countries fought in World War One?
• How did World War One end?

These are some possible sub-questions that could start the research process. Upon further investigation, a student looking at this question will likely encounter the Treaty of Versailles. Although not explicitly mentioned in the research question, they should focus a good deal of research on it. More sub-questions can then be added later.

• What are some important points from the Treaty of Versailles?
• Why did the Allied powers include the War Guilt Clause?

You may also need to ask questions that test some of the question’s possible answers. In this example, the student would need to argue one of two positions;

1. Germany was mainly responsible for causing World War One.
2. Germany was not mainly responsible for causing World War One, therefore other countries must b e responsible.

To test the validity of the second possible answer, it would be important to create a sub-question to accomplish this.

• What role did the Britain, France and Russia have in causing World War One?

B. Finding Sources – Collecting Information

Another important research method is finding and selecting sources of information. Before you can write down information, you need to find something that will have the information in it!

Some examples of sources include;

• Videos
• Websites
• Books (Questia School)
• Encyclopedias (you should not use Wikipedia!)
• Journals (Questia School)

It is important to remember that not all sources are created equal. Books and journals will usually have better quality information than videos and websites. Encyclopedias present factual information but do not make arguments or present opinions.

You should be aware of what types of sources you are using and why there were created. This will help you complete the OPVL component of the assignment!

C. Research Notes – Recording Information

A good habit to have while doing research is to create something called research notes. These are informal notes you write while looking at your sources and searching for information that will help you answer your research question.

How should I make my research notes?

Research notes are an informal document and there is no specific style that is required. However, there are some things that you should and should not do. These are listed below.

• You must use at least five (5) sources. However, the more sources you use the better your final essay will be so you are encouraged to have more.
• Insert an MLA citation at the top of each page
• Include point form notes of information you have found from each source.
• Page numbers for each point if you are using a print source (either online or not)
• Do not write down everything from the source in your research notes, but focus on the most important information.
• You do not need to use everything from your research notes in your essay.
• Write down everything you think you might use.
• Paraphrase your research notes. Do not copy and paste from the internet or from a book. You might forget that you copied the note and if you put this into your essay you can be caught for plagiarism.

You may copy and paste if you are using a quotation.