* Start with a question: The research essay begins with a clear, focused question you want to answer.
* Gather data: This involves researching and collecting information from various sources, like books, articles, websites, experiments, and interviews.
* Analyze the data: This is where you critically examine the information you've gathered, looking for patterns, connections, and inconsistencies. You might compare different perspectives, evaluate evidence, and identify biases.
* Draw a conclusion: Based on your analysis, you form a well-supported answer to your research question. This conclusion should be clear, concise, and justified by the evidence you've presented.
Think of it like building a case:
* The question is your case.
* The data is your evidence.
* The analysis is your examination of the evidence.
* The conclusion is your verdict.
So, by analyzing data, you're not just summarizing information, but actively engaging with it to come to a new understanding of your research question.