Don't Panic
- Here are the Keys you need
Is this your first time to do college level research? Are you just stuck? That's okay! We're here to help! Using the library for research is time consuming and can sometimes be frustrating.
A student can save much time and avoid unnecessary frustration by using our KEYS to open the doors:
- Selecting a Topic
- Finding background information
- Developing and Refining a Topic
- Locating Information
- Selecting the Right Resource for Your Topic
- Using Sources Effectively
- Evaluating and analyzing information
- Rinse / Repeat as needed
- Citing and documenting sources of information
- Avoiding Plagiarism
- Putting it all together: Writing, organizing, and communicating information
The most important step in beginning your research project is to carefully review the assignment sheet provided by the course professor, along with the grading rubric. Note especially the required word count, number of sources, type of sources, citation style, and any other course specific formatting requirements.
Next, create a research timeline for your project. How long your project will take varies greatly by the nature of the project. Typically, the more sources required in the paper, the more time you will need to plan for. Consult your syllabus for periodic deadlines and be sure to turn drafts in on time.
Start early so you can revise your strategy or paper if necessary. Remember that the research process is iterative. It takes time to conduct both the research and writing, as well as make necessary revisions. Starting a paper the night before an assignment is due is typically a bad strategy and we do not recommend this.
ASK FOR HELP
If you need help at any point in the process, please seek out someone who can help. Ask a Librarian, or contact the Tutoring Center.
The research process is not a linear process. The Research Process is more of a cycle. There are steps involved, but they can be repeated as you learn more about your topic and perhaps change the focus of your research. For that reason, the following image represents some possible steps to follow as your work through this process.
You can (and should!) revisit the steps as many times as needed to create a finished product. Once you select your topic, you should at least touch every step in the process, but you do not have to exactly follow the sequence of the steps. This basic library research strategy is to help you make the best use of your time in the library. Most often, a quality result will be produced by being as complete and thorough as possible, and by making use of all the resources and services that are available to you.
Librarians can be especially helpful in two aspects of the information-gathering portion of the research process:
Research is not about trying to support a position, but investigating a question.
The point of absorbing new information is the possibility of changing our mind.
We should end up in a different place concerning a question:
The final synthesis, the paper we write, reflects our growth in understanding. It shows we have changed.
Research always involves thinking, but that thinking is put to use for different purposes. Your goal might be to understand a social problem and propose a solution to it. Or your goal might be to learn about a historical event and make an argument about why it happened. Or your goal might be to advocate a particular marketing strategy for a struggling company, based on an analysis of current economic conditions.
Start with a question you are trying to answer. Something that you do not already know.
"Things I thought I knew before I began researching" is supposed to CHANGE into "What I wrote," which will be a mix of:
Academic papers do not base their arguments on personal experience or knowledge, but on scientific studies, historical data, and information from trusted witnesses.
Research is a process - and a conversation
It is a cycle with each step leading into the next. You may need to re-evaluate sources and your topic along the way. So remember to be flexible.
This guide will introduce you to the steps and help you through it. But remember, you can go back to each step as many times as needed.
Remember Your Professors' Requirements
Be sure to double-check your assignment guidelines. Your professors will usually provide you with a list of things that must be included.
Look for instructions about -
It's usually okay to have more than a required amount, such as 7 sources instead of 5. It's never okay to have less than a required amount, such as 3 sources instead of 5. If you're ever confused about the guidelines, ask your professor!
If you're confused about where to locate your sources (specific databases, brick-and-mortar library) ask a librarian!
Time & Deadlines
Research assignments come with different deadlines. Know when your research should be completed. Put it in your calendar or your phone. Write it on a post-it note and stick it on your computer. Whatever works for you.
Then, set up a research schedule. We suggest several steps for doing research, but some steps take more time than others. Does it take a while for you to brainstorm about a topic? Schedule more time for that. Do you need more time to search in the databases? Ditto! Set aside more time for it. Create a system that works for YOU.
Assignment Calculators
These various Assignment Calculators are tools to assist with time management. They are tools that break down research assignments into a series of manageable steps, while providing expert tips for success. Enter the assignment start date and due date to get planning!
University of Wollongong's Assignment Calculator - Allows the user to select from 5 different types of assignments.
University of Minnesota's Assignment Calculator -The original.