Research assignments require you to systematically investigate a topic using authoritative and relevant sources such as journal articles, books, and websites.
Your instructor may identify limitations such as topics, sources, and citation style you're required to use. Make sure you are aware of these limitations before you begin.
There are five main steps to doing research successfully:
1. Choose your topic
Pick a topic that you want to know more about and that you'll able to find enough information on.
- Check your notes or textbook for ideas
- Brainstorm and expand upon ideas you find interesting
- Do some preliminary searching before you decide on a topic to see if there's enough content to support your ideas
Learning Centre Tipsheet: How to Brainstorm
Brainstorming Topics & Search Terms (guide)
2. Define your research statement/question
Once you have picked a topic, you will need to narrow it down to a specific statement or question. This is also known as your thesis.
You may also want to construct an outline so you have a clear idea of what you need to support your arguments.
How do I narrow down my research topic?
3. Search for sources
Brainstorm as many keywords as you can that are related to your research question. These will become your search terms. You can search with those keywords directly on the library website, but there are other places you can start.
- Include other words or phrases that convey the same or related ideas
- Include word that experts use to describe your topic
It's not unusual to need multiple searches with different keyword combinations.
How do I choose keywords when searching?
How do I find full-text articles?
4. Evaluate the information you have found
You may find a number of sources when you search. Review each source to decide if it is useful and reliable information. You can use criteria like the CRAAP test to decide if the information you have will suit your needs.
5. Record the citation information (e.g. title, author, etc.) and cite your sources
Once you have identified the sources (books, journal articles, websites, etc.) that you will use, it is important to record the citation information and cite your sources using a citation style like MLA or APA. Your instructor will specify the citation style they want you to use.