A good research project first starts with knowing what the research process looks like. We've provided a helpful guide that will give you a start in the right direction.
If you need help, please feel free to Ask a Librarian!
How to Research
These steps outline a simple and effective strategy for finding information for a research project. Depending on your topic and your project requirement you may need to modify this outline.
Identify Your Topic:
State your topic as a question. For example, if you are interested in finding out about the photographer Ansel Adams, you might pose a question, “What contribution did Ansel Adams make to 20th Century photography?” Use critical thinking to construct a robust thesis statement in line with the assignment requirements. Identify the subject headings and keywords you could use in your search by using the library catalog's subject index, or a subject specific dictionary or encyclopedia.
Begin Your Topic Exploration:
Search a variety of information resources such as books, magazine articles and the WWW to determine the amount and quality of writing and research that has been done on your topic. If you don’t find much, it could mean that you need to modify your thesis statement. At times it will be neccessary to find more information on a topic or on a specific aspect of that topic. Use the library catalog's subject index or EBSCOHost's subject terms to find keywords that can broaden or narrow your search. Consult a reference librarian to assist you at any point in your research.
Find Background Information:
Work from the general to the specific. Find background information first and then use more specific sources. Look up your topic in a general or specialized encyclopedia or a textbook pertaining to your topic. Read this brief information to set the context for your research. Note any relevant items in listed bibliographies and topic outlines at the end of these brief information sections. Redefine and modify your topic as neccessary to narrow or broaden your search. Note to youself at this time if you primarily need detailed information (looking at books) or current information (looking at magazine articles).
Find Books on Your Topic:
Use the Online Catalog to search for relevant books by using the subject heading or keyword search. Make sure to document your research as you go by keeping a record of each item you find and where to go to physically retrieve it. When you retrieve the book, look in its bibliography to find additional sources (other books).
Find Magazine and Journal Articles on Your Topic:
Use a periodical index such as EBSCOHost, using your subject headings and identified keywords, to find magazine and journal articles. When you find these articles, print the citation or article. Use the Online Catalog to identify what periodicals are available at your own or other local libraries.
Evaluate What You Have Found:
Evaluate the quality and quantity of the information you have found. See Evaluating a Web Site for guidelines on evaluating any kind of information resource.
Write Your Paper:
Now you need to organize, format and write your paper using the results of your research. Use the MLA or APA format (citation format examples) to organize your bibliographic resources. Your instructor will indicate which style manual to follow. Sign up for a help session at the Kirkwood Writing Center at the front desk.
