Explore the subject Libguide - see the where to start tab
Make sure you understand what your Professor is asking for before diving into your research. Spend time getting familar with terminology. Be sure to note any date or material type restrictions that are recommended to you
Think of which databases and search engines you will use in your research process (yes, you will likely be using more than one). Don't avoid this step. Different databases pull from different subsets of literature. It's important to make sure that you are finding all relevant scholarship.
Learn how to use the advanced search option
Use google scholar and google to start building a list of Keywords that you can use to really focus in on your area of interest
Ask your professors for recommendations for scientists in your area of interest
Pay attention to the names of journals where the research is being published
Set up a research plan with checkpoints and deadlines and find a way to be accountable. This is espeically important as you are working on focusing the scope of your research
Set up a citation management system at the very being of your research. Don't leave this to the end either.
For each resource you are reviewing - think of the following questions:
Does this resource provide you with any new terms or concepts that should be incorporated into your research?
How does this resource address your subject and when was this published? Is there anything newer on the same issue?
What do you want to know more about after having read this? For example, does this resource problematize issues that seemed settled before? Or does it raise new areas and avenues of exploration entirely?
How does this resource fit with what you know about this topic? How does it add to the pool of material you have already examined?
Look for ways you can situate your research within the broader range of scholarship that exists on your topic. Can you expand upon an earlier discussion? Or provide a counterpoint?
Realize that the scope and focus of your topic will change the more information you locate, read, and analyze. Your preliminary research should help you figure out which aspects of your broader topic you are truly interested in focusing on; in later research, you can hone in on this narrow topic. ​