The Research Process

    In chapter 5 we learn about the research process and how it correlates to a research project as a whole.  But research as a whole is a detailed and complex process, one that extends far beyond just Google'ing all of your sources without any further conquest of knowledge.  Like an iceberg, research is a detailed and complex thing that extends beyond simple answers on a superficial level.  It is because of research that people are able to shy away from their old ideas, or are able to cling to them with renewed vigor.  It used to be that research was slaving over ancient tomes and dusty codices; today research can be completed by simply typing in a query on the Internet.  Likewise the old books still remain a constant, but they have lost their influence and sway now that the Public Domain has rendered them digital as well.  Technology is a wonderful thing, but even in its greatness, we hamper our own creativity and capabilities when it comes to our knowledge on how to decently research a new topic.
    The old adage of how primary sources are always the better source is a questionable stance  While yes, it gives primary details from the time that you're conducting your research, it is worth noting that hindsight is always 20/20.  Say you were a German during World War Two; the propaganda from that time would now be a primary source, but would you believe that it was factual and reliable?  The use of hindsight on old primary sources helps generate a good sense of validity to the source, allowing for you to make an educated use of that source.  However, more knowledge on a topic can be learned in ways other than just reading an old journal or looking at an historical picture.  Field research, actually going out and performing an experiment, is a great way to learn something firsthand, allowing you to make discoveries on the spot.  Read and experimenting are both great ways to ensure a varied and comprehensible set of answers to any research topic.  Finally, don't forget to source what you find.  Sourcing, and annotating are huge plusses for any research done, because it keeps track in an organized manner about what was learned, in what manner, and, in the case of annotations, just why you used that source and how.

    Keep in mind just how everything was done, from the reading to experimenting to the sourcing.  With all of that in tow, you can begin to write a successful research paper, utilizing a wide variety of fields from which you can learn.  It's not easy, but it can be done, and it can be done well.  Remember kids, knowledge is power.