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The 6 steps of research

Every research project follows the same path, from a first question to a finished paper. Work through the steps in order — each one builds on the last.

1. 1

   Find your question Done

   Turn a vague curiosity into one clear, answerable research question.

   Open step 1 →
2. 2

   Find out what's already known Done

   Search the existing research, read it critically, and find the gap your project can fill.

   Open step 2 →
3. 3

   Design your method Done

   Choose how you'll answer your question, and plan exactly what you'll do before you start.

   Open step 3 →
4. 4

   Collect your data Done

   Gather your evidence carefully, consistently, and ethically.

   Open step 4 →
5. 5

   Analyze and interpret Done

   Make sense of what you found, and work out what it does — and doesn't — mean.

   Open step 5 →
6. 6

   Share your findings Done

   Write up your research and get it in front of readers.

   Open step 6 →

New to research? Read all six steps once from start to finish — it takes about ten minutes — then come back and work through them one at a time.