How do I research?
Follow these simple steps for conducting a research project.
The resources below will help you understand these steps, and provide guidance on how to accomplish each one.
These two videos break down the process of finding a research topic. There is more to it than just thinking of something you think is cool -- although that is usually a great place to start!
**PRO TIP: Click fullscreen to see the videos better.
Inside most of our school's databases, you can use a thing called "Subject headings" that can help you narrow your topic down from a big idea that you're interested in, to something more manageable or a specific question. This video will show you how to access it, and how to use it.
**PRO TIP: Use fullscreen to see the presentation better.
In this video you can learn about what subject headings are, and how databases work differently from a Google search. Undersanding the differences can help improve your search strategies when using a database.
**PRO TIP: Use fullscreen to see the video better.
Inside most of our school's databases, there is a feature called "topic finder" that can help you narrow your topic down from a big idea that you're interested in, to something more manageable or specific question. This video will show you how to access it, and how to use it.
**PRO TIP: Use fullscreen to see the video better.
A research question is the question is the center your research. It should be:
Text adapted from: George Mason University Writing Center
Image from: Lewis A. Jackson Library at Indiana Wesleyan University
Inquiry is a cycle! This means that when you are investigating or researching a topic, you will often work backwards and forwards as you locate, evaluate and analyze information. Inquiry and research do not happen in a linear fashion. Instead, you will often loop back and revisit steps in the research project. In general, here are 6 phases of inquiry that you will visit and revisit: Connect, Wonder, Investigate, Construct, Express, and Reflect.