Printable Version

The Scientific Method: A Research Process

 

 
 
 

The Scientific Method

Stage 3: Topic Exploration

The scientist explores what is already known about his or her chosen topic.  This stage is also called a "review of the literature."

For example, our chemist might use the books and online databases of her company's library or a university library to find scientific publications about alternative fuels.  She might investigate the chemical reactions of combustion (oxidation), the required chemical & physical properties of automobile fuels, the process of turning plant materials into liquid fuel (refinement), and the problems others have encountered with plant-based fuels.

Click here to Read More about the Library Search Process

<<< Click on the next stage to the left to proceed.
 

 

Printable Version

Adapted From

Filson, R. (2005). "In Search Of....Real Science." Access Excellence. Retrieved July 16, 2005, from the National Health Museum Web site: http://www.accessexcellence.org/LC/TL/filson/

Kuhlthau, C. C. (2004). Seeking meaning: a process approach to library and information services (2nd ed.). Westport, CT: Libraries Unlimited.

Kuhlthau, C. C. (n.d.). Information Search Process: A Search for Meaning Rather Than Answers. Retrieved July 15, 2005, from the Rutgers University, Department of Library and Information Science Web site: http://www.scils.rutgers.edu/~kuhlthau/Search%20Process.htm

Woods, M. (2005). "Science." In The New Book of Knowledge: Scholastic Library Publishing. Retrieved July 13, 2005 from the Grolier Online database.

Created July 2005 by Andy Spinks