Page 83 - Computer Basics- Student Textbook

How to Read for Comprehension

Starting the Process
Sometimes you will be assigned a topic, and other times you will be free to choose your
topic within the scope of the assignment. When you are free to choose your topic, you
will quickly find out it is not as easy as it sounds. Your time will be limited and you will
become tempted to select a topic before you do your “groundwork.”

If you prepare well and choose from maybe two or three topics and then see what information you can
find, you will actually save time in the end.

If you are given the freedom to select your topic, begin by writing down possible topics that interest you. (If you are
not at all interested in the topic, you will struggle to complete the research and paper). For example, if you are
asked to write a summary and interpretation of one of the parables of Jesus, which one holds your attention? You
should start by writing down the two or three most interesting and then see what types of supporting sources you
can find.

As we begin to think about starting a research paper, we need to be aware of the overall research process. While I
am presenting the steps in linear fashion (one after the other), the research process is often cyclical. It is a regular
part of the research process to return to earlier steps. As more data is gathered you will often discover more
sources, gather these sources and possibly even tweak your research question throughout the entire research
process.

1. Identify specific research topic/question
2. Discover sources relating to the research topic
3. Gather sources relating to the research topics
4. Organize the sources
5. Evaluate the sources from an objective perspective
6. Draw conclusions based upon your evaluation of all available sources
7. Presenting findings in clear, concise, logical manner

No matter what your topic or why you are conducting the research, it is important to think about what you are
researching and why throughout the process. A simple research formula can assist you with this process. This
formula should guide your research, keep you on track, and allow you to focus on the material that is directly
relevant to your project. The researcher who loses track of the formula can become sidetracked into areas that are
not related to the topic and in the process lose valuable time.

I am working on the topic of X
Because I want to find out Y
So that I can help others understand Z

First Ask Yourself These Questions about selecting a topic…

By Leland Graham and Isabelle McCoy
1. Is it specific?
2. Is it a right topic?
3. Are you moving from general to specific? — “When you select your topic, begin with a general
subject, such as learning to speak a foreign language. Then think of a specific topic, such as learning to speak
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Spanish”
4. Are the resources readily available?

4 Leland Graham and Isabelle McCoy (Graham & McCoy, HWGRP, 7- 11)
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