Final answer:
Analytical Information is what students and researchers use to study a topic and develop a well-supported argument or thesis. The research process includes compiling an annotated bibliography and scrutinizing sources to create an original analysis. Methodical research and source evaluation are essential steps in formulating a coherent thesis.
Step-by-step explanation:
In the context of the student's research question, the type of information that students and researchers use library and other information resources to study a topic, such as for support of an argument or thesis statement, to expand a topic by bringing together various viewpoints and trace the history of a topic, can be categorized as b) Analytical Information. The process involves locating and evaluating primary and secondary research materials, using these materials to develop an argument, and synthesizing ideas from various sources to produce a coherent argument or analysis.
Throughout the research process, one would compile sources like journal articles, books, and databases. These sources are analyzed and integrated into the researcher's work to support and develop their thesis. An annotated bibliography is often the initial step, allowing for the organization of sources and helping to identify how each source might fit into the overall methodology of the research.
It's crucial to approach research methodically—starting with a breadth of materials, narrowing down to those directly relevant to the argument, and engaging in an ongoing dialog with members of the academic community, such as librarians, to refine the direction of the research. Key elements of this process include identifying primary, secondary, and tertiary sources; synthesizing information; and formulating an effective thesis based on the gathered evidence.