Research inquiry is like an exploration -- it helps us learn, understand, and contribute to our worlds. To begin your critical inquiry, you will identify an issue, a topic, and  a set of questions about which you are curious.

• Find a topic
• Ask questions

Inquiry begins with your questions and curiosity. Because the experience often includes unexpected twists and turns-- try to remain open and persistent. But where do you begin? How will you search? Develop a strategy and plan.

• Develop search terms
• Consider types of information
• Choose a search tool

Inquiry is an integrated mixture of searching, reading, writing and starting again! It is iterative and recursive. Often, as researchers, we begin by finding the conversations on our topic (searching), listening in on the conversation (reading and note taking), and finally we add our own voice to the mix (writing or composing).

• Read sources
• Integrate sources
• Cite sources