RESEARCH TOOLKIT
  • Research Overview
    • What is Research?
    • The Research Process
  • Getting Started
    • Understanding the Assignment
    • Getting Organized
    • Finding Focus: Subject, Topic, Guiding Question
  • Gathering Info
    • Types of Information Resources >
      • GUHSD Online Databases
      • Searching Google Smartly
      • Using Wikipedia Wisely
      • GUHSD Library Catalog
    • Using Keywords for Searching
    • Taking Notes and Tracking Sources >
      • Note-Taking Strategies
  • Analyzing Info
    • Evaluating Information >
      • Avoiding Fake News
    • Developing a Thesis and Argument
    • Using Supporting Evidence
  • Presenting Findings
    • Paper/Essay >
      • MLA Format
    • Live Talk
    • Visual
    • Video/Audio
    • Website
    • GUHSD Virtual Makerspace
  • Teacher Resources
  • User Feedback Form

What is Research?

Research is defined as...

Diligent & systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover or revise facts, theories, application, etc.
Definition source: Dictionary.com
  • diligent... means research takes effort, attention, and persistence.

  • systematic... means research is a process that requires thought and planning.

  • inquiry... means research is driven by asking questions.

  • investigation... means research involves examining findings to create meaning.

  • discovery... means research uncovers or adds new knowledge or understanding.
    ​
  • revision... means research may update or alter existing knowledge or understanding.

Research is....

not symbol
  • NOT just gathering and reporting information.
    While research involves gathering information, it is more than just information gathering. Research is also more than just combining and rearranging facts. With research, you create new meaning from information you find.

  • NOT just a paper.
    While you might share the results of your research by writing a paper, research is more than paper writing. Research is a process of creating new knowledge or understanding, and you may share findings in multiple ways.


  • NOT just for school.
    Researching is helpful throughout your life now and in the future, whether you are trying to figure out who to vote for, what to buy, where to go to school, when to change jobs, why to make a medical decision, etc.​

What about Information Literacy?

GUHSD has developed Information Literacy Standards as part of its Technology Requirement. The standards are organized into four sections that align with research process menu options on this website as follows:
  • What is my information need? >> Getting Started
  • How do I find information to meet my need? >> Gathering Info
  • What is the information I have found? >> Analyzing Info
  • How do I use the information? >> Presenting Findings
The Info Lit Inquiry Process thumbnail
Click to see the full process infographic.

LEARN ABOUT HOW
​RESEARCH IS A PROCESS
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  • Research Overview
    • What is Research?
    • The Research Process
  • Getting Started
    • Understanding the Assignment
    • Getting Organized
    • Finding Focus: Subject, Topic, Guiding Question
  • Gathering Info
    • Types of Information Resources >
      • GUHSD Online Databases
      • Searching Google Smartly
      • Using Wikipedia Wisely
      • GUHSD Library Catalog
    • Using Keywords for Searching
    • Taking Notes and Tracking Sources >
      • Note-Taking Strategies
  • Analyzing Info
    • Evaluating Information >
      • Avoiding Fake News
    • Developing a Thesis and Argument
    • Using Supporting Evidence
  • Presenting Findings
    • Paper/Essay >
      • MLA Format
    • Live Talk
    • Visual
    • Video/Audio
    • Website
    • GUHSD Virtual Makerspace
  • Teacher Resources
  • User Feedback Form