Describe your past or current research process.

What does your typical working process look like?

First, I identify the topic I want to know more about. Then, search for background information about the topic, through internet searches, library databases, google scholar, online books, and peer reviewed articles. Next, a careful review of the information is done to determine its relevancy to the topic, or if the information leads to other sources that may be useful.  The last step is to evaluate the sources, for credibility, and cite used sources in the reference section.

What platforms or systems do you use to organize your research and writing?

Generally, I use Microsoft  Office tools to develop notes, brainstorm, and organize my thoughts, and finalize the paper.  In addition, relevant sources are downloaded from an internet search engine to review.  During the review, notes are taken to capture any information that may be useful to the research. Adobe Acrobat is used to review the downloaded PDF documents.  To create citations, I use citation machine which offers a variety of format options for references.

Are there aspects of your personal process you want to change or improve?

Change is always welcomed.  Whether it is new technology, or new reference material.  I am open to new ideas.   If there are alternative ways of gathering information that work for me, I will definitely alter my current process and try the new ones to improve the final paper.