Before you get started with a research assignment, read it carefully and look for these key components:
- Check for the due date. This will help you with time management to determine when you need to search for sources, make time to read them, and write your paper or create your project or presentation. Some assignments have different parts due at different times. Make sure that you check all of the due dates!
- Check the length of the assignment, which could be listed in pages, word count, or minutes for a presentation. The length of the assignment will help you determine the scope of your topic.
- Review style and formatting information, such as font size, spacing, and citation style. Get help citing your sources.
- Note the number of and type(s) of outside sources that your instructor requires to support your research.
- Pay attention to topic guidance and suggestions. Some instructors will offer specific suggestions while others will provide basic guidelines to help you choose a topic. Check for points and questions that the instructor wants you to address in your assignment.
- Highlight or underline the elements that are key to understanding your assignment. If you find that you cannot describe what your assignment is about to someone else, you should re-read the assignment or ask your professor for clarification.
Starting your search for sources
You can use Library Search or a research database to begin your search for sources. Look for the types of sources the instructor requires, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, newspaper articles, data, books, or videos. You can use database filters to narrow your search to different types of sources.
The research topic you choose will have an impact on the types of resources you will need to find. Some topics are covered in both books and articles. Current events are more likely to be covered in the news. The peer-review process takes months, and research covering very recent events may not be available until sometime after the event occurs.
Organizing your research
Organizing your sources can help you avoid unintentional plagiarism, effectively enter the scholarly conversation, and make writing your research paper easier. One organizational strategy is to create a citation table.
Citation tables
A citation table can help you keep track of parts of sources you think you might be able to use. Create a file (Word or Excel) to keep track of all your potential sources. Insert a table with columns for: citation, information from the source, and possible use.
- Citation: Make sure and provide proper citations for each relevant source you place in your table.
- Information from source: As you read your source, copy and paste possible quotes, summaries, or paraphrased content into the table.
- Possible use: Add ideas about how this content might fit into your paper organization, support your argument, or relate to other ideas.
Citation management software
You can use citation management software, such as Zotero, to keep track of your sources and help take notes.
Getting help
Get help early in the process! You can make an appointment with a librarian for assistance with understanding your assignment, finding sources, organizing your research, and using citation management software.