Research Assignment Planner

Research in the Academic Context

Research and writing is an integral part of the university learning experience. The goal in all research-based writing is not simply to say what others have said before you, but to:

• read what they have said;
• work at understanding what is already known on a topic;
• cite what researchers have said responsibly, thoroughly, and honestly; and
• respond to what they have said, so that in your research-based writing, you are joining ongoing and valued researchers' conversations.

This assignment planner encourages you to see the research process as a series of related steps or stages...remember that you can (and probably will) return to any of these stages to refine your thinking as you work through your research assignment.