How to Conduct Research
This guide explains the research process used at Vector Technology Institute. Whether you are preparing a class assignment, capstone project, report, presentation, or research paper, following these steps will help you find reliable information, evaluate sources, and produce stronger work.
The research process is not always perfectly linear. You may move back and forth between steps as you refine your topic and discover new information.
How to Use This Guide Successfully
- Work through the steps in order, especially if you are new to research.
- Use the suggested databases and websites to locate high-quality information.
- Evaluate every source before using it in an assignment.
- Keep notes as you research so you do not lose useful information.
- Record citation information immediately to save time later.
- Use the linked APA and literature review guides when writing your paper.
Step 1: Understand the Assignment or Research Question
Before you begin searching, make sure you clearly understand what you are being asked to do.
- What is the topic?
- What type of assignment is it?
- How many sources are required?
- Do you need scholarly sources, websites, books, statistics, or standards?
- What citation style is required? (At VTI, APA style is normally required.)
- When is the assignment due?
Example: Instead of researching “cybersecurity,” narrow the topic to:
- The impact of phishing attacks on Jamaican businesses
- Cloud security challenges in higher education
- Cybersecurity awareness among college students
Step 2: Narrow Your Topic
Broad topics are difficult to research effectively. Narrow your topic until it is focused, manageable, and specific.
You can narrow a topic by:
- Location (Jamaica, Caribbean, global)
- Time period
- Specific technology or tool
- Industry or organisation
- Population or group
Broad topic: Artificial Intelligence
Narrow topic: The use of artificial intelligence in customer service in Jamaican banks
Step 3: Identify Keywords
Search engines and databases work best when you use clear keywords.
Break your topic into main concepts and think of alternative words or synonyms.
| Main Idea | Alternative Keywords |
|---|---|
| Cybersecurity | computer security, information security, network security |
| College students | students, university students, tertiary students |
| Jamaica | Caribbean, West Indies |
Example search:
"cybersecurity awareness" AND students AND Jamaica
Step 4: Find Information
Use the most appropriate type of source for your topic.
| If You Need… | Use… |
|---|---|
| Scholarly articles | Google Scholar, DOAJ, CORE |
| Books and ebooks | DOAB, OAPEN, Open Textbook Library |
| Theses and dissertations | OATD, NDLTD |
| Statistics and reports | Data.gov.jm, PIOJ |
| Caribbean sources | UWISpace, dLOC |
| Standards and professional guidance | NIST, OWASP, ISO |
Step 5: Evaluate Your Sources
Not all information is reliable. Before using a source, evaluate it carefully.
Use the CRAAP Test
| CRAAP Factor | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Currency | Is the information recent enough? |
| Relevance | Does it answer your research question? |
| Authority | Who wrote it? Are they qualified? |
| Accuracy | Is the information supported by evidence? |
| Purpose | Why was it created? Is there bias? |
Good sources usually include:
- An identified author
- References or citations
- A publication date
- Evidence and supporting data
- A trustworthy publisher or organisation
Step 6: Take Notes and Organise Information
As you read, take notes on important ideas, quotations, and statistics. Record the source information immediately.
For each source, keep:
- Author
- Title
- Date
- Website or database
- Page number or URL
- Main idea or quotation
Organising your notes early makes writing much easier later.
Step 7: Create an Outline
Before writing, organise your ideas into sections.
A simple research paper outline may include:
- Introduction
- Background or literature review
- Main discussion or findings
- Conclusion
- References
Step 8: Write and Cite Your Sources
When you write, use your own words as much as possible. Avoid copying directly from sources unless you are using a quotation.
At Vector Technology Institute, APA style is normally required.
Examples of APA in-text citations:
- (Brown, 2024)
- (Smith & Jones, 2023, p. 18)
Example of an APA reference:
Brown, J. (2024). Cybersecurity in higher education. Journal of Technology Studies, 12(3), 45–60.
Step 9: Review and Revise
Before submitting your work:
- Check that you answered the research question.
- Make sure every source is cited correctly.
- Correct spelling and grammar errors.
- Review whether the information is clear and organised.
- Ask someone else to read your work if possible.