Organizing Notes for Research

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The following is a very basic method for organizing notes in anticipation for a research project.

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Organizing Notes for Research

Step One: Create Notes

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I recommend preparing notes on each source in turn. Read Smith, write notes, then read Jones, write notes, etc.

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Be sure to add full bibliographic information.

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Organizing Notes for Research

For �example:

Note citation

at the top,

followed by

notes below.

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Organizing Notes for Research

Step Two: Put your notes into a single digital file or paper document (depending on whether you are using digital or paper notes).

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If you are using paper notes, number all your pages in order.

Organizing Notes for Research

For example:

See how the page is

numbered. Notes

from one source end,

and notes from

another source

(Frank, Adam…)

begin.

Organizing Notes for Research

Step Three: Use�your Outline as�an Index to your�Notes.

Organizing Notes for Research

If you are using the Notes in Paper Form option

Organizing Notes for Research

If you are using the Notes in Paper Form option�

Organizing Notes for Research

If you are using the Notes in Electronic Form option�

Organizing Notes for Research

If you are using the Notes in Electronic Form option�

Organizing Notes for Research

The goal is to create a cross-reference between your outline and your notes. You can thus use your outline as a guide to where relevant notes for each heading are located.

For notes on paper: For electronic notes:�