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Research Guide

This guide has been created to provide quick access to resources that support the research process.

Getting Started

Lucidchart. (2018, May 31). How to make a concept map [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/8XGQGhli0I0

Effective research takes time. Clarify the paper/assignment with your instructor before embarking on this task.

Define/Clarify the Topic

Choose a familiar topic - perhaps you already know something about a topic but would like to further explore it in order to find out more in-depth information.
Choose an interesting topic - perhaps you do not know anything on a topic but would like to find out about it for personal/professional reasons. Select a topic that interests you and makes the research process more appealing.
Be aware of any strong beliefs/prejudices - ensure that both sides of an argument or topic are evaluated in the research process. Be aware of biases and prejudices.

Libncsu. (2014, May 1). Picking your topic is research! [Video]. https://youtu.be/Q0B3Gjlu-1o

As you being your research, it is important to assessment available resources. Too much information on a topic indicates that the topic is too broad, and needs to be narrowed. Conversely, if there is not enough information available, the topic is too narrow and needs to be broadened.

Consult with your instructor or Campus Library staff for assistance.

Formulate a Topic

After an assessment of the topic has been completed, it is time to formulate the question that needs to be answered or the topic that will be covered in the research paper.

Articulate a specific research question (i.e. the effect of obesity in children).
State a specific claim (scholarly literature suggests that a healthy and balanced diet, as well as regular exercise, decreases the risk of obesity in children).
Support analysis with evidence.

Note the deadline of the paper and manage your time accordingly. Building in extra time allows for unexpected delays such as obtaining resources on interlibrary loan or visiting other libraries.

Consult with Campus Library staff to help you get started.

Consult with the Time Management Subject Guide for more support.

Assignment calculators can help you manage your time effectively.

Good notes will help you to stay focused in class, remember what you're learning, develop learning skills, and help you to better understand the topics you're studying. 

Great notes will help you recall information better and more effectively when it is assignment and/or test time!  Note-taking is also an important skill for the workplace.

Consult the Writing Center Subject Guide: Note Taking Tab for more support.

A working bibliography is a detailed list of all the books, articles and other sources relevant to your project.  A working bibliography will keep you organized while gathering, evaluating and sorting through your sources.

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