Research Process Orientation

What is your topic?

• Define the information problem:  choose a broad topic
• Identify information needed (to solve the information problem)
  • What are some questions I need to answer? (narrow the topic)
  • What information will I need?
    • Determine what you already know about the subject before researching
    • Consider what new information will do to advance your argument

Below are questions to ask yourself while you plan for your research:

• What is the assignment?
• How many sources?
• What type of sources?
• How long does the paper need to be?
• Consider what the purpose of this paper will be
• Develop a working thesis
• Does my topic need approval?
• Does my thesis need approval?
• What is the citation style?

Determine all possible sources (brainstorm) for your topic:

• ​What is required?
• Any sources I can't use?
• Possible sources:
  • ​Books
  • Periodicals
    • ​Newspapers
    • Magazines
    • Journals
  • ​Websites
  • Videos​

• What are all the possible sources to check?
• Select the best sources
  • What are the best sources of information for this task?

Lets find some sources!

Books - Use the library catalog to find books, videos, e-books and music

Library Homepage

Databases - Start with a general database such as:

Academic Search Premier

ProQuest Research Library

Find more subject specific databases in our A-Z list