Practical Research Strategies

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Below are some general research strategies that can help prevent plagiarism and promote proper citation. For more research tips & tools take your pick from the UMUC Information and Library Services’ “How Do I?” webpage.

• Good time management! Start your research early.

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• Be prepared to switch focus or topic if necessary.

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• Thorough notetaking! Whether you do this by hand or by copying and pasting text from the Internet or a subscription database, always put your quote in quotation marks.
  • Paraphrase it or summarize it by writing an annotation soon after reading it.
  • And before putting away the source, write your citation.

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• Keep a log or journal of your search strategies.

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• When you find something you want to return to, write down your search terms and where you searched (search engine, subscription database, print material, etc.).

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• Get help with citation from support services such as your institution's writing center or library.

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