In my experiences of research papers I have experienced all of the stages the Carol Kuhlthau has described in her article “Information Search Process”. I am experiencing the uncertainty as of now with the research paper I am doing for my CES 375 class on the Maidu Indians. I think I have made a good choice of references but not sure have not had time to read them as of yet.

In past experience as I have progressed through the research process I have, at times, come to a point that I am not sure if I am doing things right, “the dip”, as I am in the dip I have just persevered and continued to put the information that I have gathered together as clearly and fluently as I can. Then as I hit the “zone of intervention” I go to the writing center and have them help edit what I have. Note: be proactive in going there with your requirements of what the professor asked for in your paper so they can be sure that you have completed it to the fullest extent.

This article was informative; it has reassured me that I am normal. I am not going through the process of researching any of the many topics in my HD course study with an abnormal thought process and every one experiences these insecurities.

Knowing that the uncertainty is a common symptom of researchers in the beginning of the ISP leaves me feeling a little more confident in the fact I must be doing something right. I have said many of times that if you don’t know at least some facts about a topic you want to talk about to others you better do some research. I have also made it a point that if there is a subject that I hear about in my daily life that peaks my interest I do a little research on it to increase my knowledge on it.