Finding source material for your assignment can be (and should be!) an iterative process. DO NOT put it off. The earlier you start, the less frustrated you will be later on.
Start with what you know about a topic to find information. As you read more about your topic, you should also start to refine your methods for searching, evaluating, and using the sources you discover. Start with a basic search and see what articles or e-books of interest you can find. Read these materials and take note of the main ideas/arguments. Take what has already been written, look carefully at the main ideas surrounding a specific topic, and try to think of something that is not being discussed - a gap in the research. An area where you, as the writer, can enter the conversation and introduce your own ideas/perspectives.
Check out this 2-minute video to learn more:
Use the following steps to get started on your research.
SELECT YOUR TOPIC
It seems straightforward, but this can be one of the most difficult parts of the research process. In addition to making sure your topic is manageable and appropriate, make sure it something you care about; something that excites or interests you. Doing so will naturally make the research and writing process less frustrating.
PLAN YOUR SEARCH
Make sure you have a general understanding of your topic before you search the library's databases. Do preliminary research on Wikipedia or Google to (re)familiarize yourself with your chosen topic. Find some background information and take note of which keywords you need to use in your search. Although it is not critical, you can also start to think about what types of sources (journal articles, books or e-books, statistics, government documents, court cases, popular magazine articles, etc.) are going to offer valuable information.
FIND SOURCE MATERIAL
Finding sources can be time consuming. Make sure you have created a search strategy and know where to find appropriate information. We recommend developing an outline, just as you would for a lengthy paper. If you are having difficulty finding sources, perhaps you need to reassess your topic or modify your search strategy. For help with this, contact your subject librarian.
(NOTE: Jenni Royce is the College Librarian for Arts and Humanities. Email her if you are in ENGL 104 or 106 and require research help.)
EVALUATE YOUR SOURCES
Once you start searching, chances are you will encounter information overload. Careful evaluation ensures you select quality sources relevant to your topic. Use the search filters to refine your results and practice good judgment when identifying source types (book, article, etc.).
GIVE CREDIT WHERE CREDIT IS DUE
Once you have found quality sources, you need to cite them properly. Learn how to avoid plagiarism and cite in various citation styles.
This guide is based on the Research guide created by Amanda DeArmond at Defiance College. Thank you Amanda for giving permission to use and modify your guide!