1. Select a topic that is interesting to you that you want to know more about. If you are struggling to come up with a topic, please reach out to me so I can help.
2. Create a list of sources that seem directly relevant to your topic. Your goal here is to get a broad sense of what academic information is out there on your topic. Remember that you want academic sources. As you develop your list of sources, you’ll probably narrow or tweak your topic in order to make the list manageable. While you must end up with five academic articles, all of which are directly relevant to your topic, your initial list may well have many more sources.
3. Narrow your initial list of sources down to five. Your primary goal here is to choose sources that address your topic directly. The best way to do that is by reading the abstracts. When possible, choose sources that reflect a variety of perspectives on your topic. Choose newer sources over older ones as a general rule.
4. Read and annotate your sources for the following information:
A. an explanation of the main purpose of the source
B. a short summary of key findings or arguments of the source
C. the academic/intellectual credentials of the source. Does it appear in a peer-reviewed journal? Is the author someone who has expertise in the area?
D. any shortcomings or biases you notice
E. the value of this work as a contribution to the topic you’re exploring.