Introduction

In Brief: Research Topic

Step 1: Search Terms

Step 2: Search Strategy

In Brief: Primary & Secondary Sources

Step 3: Finding Books

Step 4: Finding Articles

Step 5: Locating Sources

Step 6: Evaluating Sources

Step 7: Using Information Effectively

Whenever you begin a research project, consider a few things before you begin your literature search or writing the paper to make it easier, less time-consuming, and more enjoyable.

Begin as early as possible in order to allow time for Interlibrary Loan, recalling books, and other snags. Choose a topic that is possible to tackle in the time available, and for which adequate information exists.

Consider the tips below before you choose a topic.

INTEREST

• If possible, choose a topic that interests you - one that you would like to know more about.
• Tie it in with other courses or assignments if possible.

IDEAS

• You can get topic ideas by browsing among current periodicals (Newsweek, Time, Editorial Research Reports, Forrester Research reports, etc.).
• Read about a general topic in an encyclopedia, such as the Encyclopedia of New Media located in Suzzallo Reference, the Encyclopedia of Information Science & Technology or Wikipedia, to get background information.

SCOPE

• A research topic must be manageable. Avoid choosing a topic that is too broad or too narrow. If it is too broad, you will be overwhelmed by too much information. If it is too narrow, too specialized, too new, or too limited in appeal, you may not find enough material.
• How to Broaden and Narrow Your Topic

TIME

• Choose a project that can be finished in the time that you have.
• If it is a busy quarter, choose a topic that you know something about and that is common enough to be found easily. It is better to do a smaller project well than to do a sloppy job on a more elaborate project.
• You might run into snags: needing Interlibrary Loan, needing to recall a book, needing to visit other libraries, etc.
• Plan for enough time to read the material and evaluate it before writing your paper.

APPROACH

• Determine your approach before looking for information that supports your project.

ASPECTS

• Most topics have many different aspects that you can research. Each aspect requires different sources of information, so it is important to establish what aspect of the topic interests you most from the beginning.
• For example, take the subject of trucking. You could look at the engineering aspects of trucks, energy and environmental issues related to trucking, government regulation of the trucking industry, truck driving music, women truck drivers, or the language of trucking.

CLARITY

• Be clear about what topic you are researching. A topic needs to be adjusted as the information is gathered; however, you should always know what topic you are searching. Having a clear idea of what you're looking for makes it easier to stay on track and not waste time.

Step 1: Search Terms