Research is a cyclical process. There's no one-size-fits-all way to organize your findings, but tracking as you go is useful. Use note-taking methods, from basic to advanced, to capture key points and sources. Whether using sticky notes or fancy templates, jotting down ideas and summarizing sources will help you learn from them better. This way, when it's time to write, you'll have a clear understanding of what you've found and how it all connects!
It can be helpful to keep track of where and when you've been working on your research in a notebook or on a calendar. Include insights, questions, roadblocks, and anything that might be helpful to you in the future.
A more formal way to track your searches.
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Date |
Database Name |
Search Terms Used |
Filters Used |
# of Results | Ideas for the future |
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As shared in the Organizing Sources tab. A synthesis matrix is a great step to preparing a lit review.
Topic: __________________________________________
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Citations ⇒ |
Source #1 |
Source #2 |
Source #3 |
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Concept A: |
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Concept B: |
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Concept C |
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Notes on sources |
