How to Get Started with Research
The Research Process
The research process can be like a cycle that follows these steps:
1. Research your topic: What are you interested in? What does your instructor want you to write about? What types of sources do you need?
2. Select keywords: What are the main points in your research topic? What words describe your topic?
3. Search for sources: Look in the library's book, ebook, and article databases for sources that talk about your topic or support the point you want to make.
4. Evaluate your sources: Are your sources credible? Do they fit and support your research topic? Do they fit the requirements your instructor told you to follow?
5. Create source list: What citation style do you need to use? Create your works cited/reference list to show what sources you are referring to in your paper.
Need More Help?
Need more help with getting started with your research? Check out these tutorials!
- Picking a TopicThis tutorial will help you with Picking a Topic. Have you ever been given an assignment where you get to choose the topic? Sometimes it can be an overwhelming process! Here are a few time-saving tips to help you get started with your assignment.
- Website EvaluationAre you considering using a website for a research assignment? Not all websites are appropriate for academic research. This tutorial will help you to examine them carefully in order to determine if the information is accurate, credible, and supports your research assignment.
- Finding and Evaluating Scholarly SourcesThis tutorial will help you with evaluating scholarly sources. Have you ever been given an assignment where you are required to use scholarly sources? How do you find these kinds of sources, and how are they different from other sources? Let's explore the world of scholarly publishing!