Research
Research Resources
A Basic Guide To Research
Getting Started
Make sure you know all the requirements of the research assignment. Have a clear understanding of what is expected of you - length of paper, number and kinds of sources required, due dates, etc.
Before Researching
Identify subtopics or questions about your main topic. Think of keywords, synonyms, and phrases that could be associated with the topic, subtopics, or questions. These will be helpful when using library catalogs, online databases, and Internet search engines.
Finding information
Determine the best possible resources for obtaining the information required. Remember to consider both print and non-print. If you get stuck or need help, you can also book an appointment with a Media Center staff member and get one-on-one help with your research paper or project!
Databases versus Google
Chances are your teacher is going to ask you to use databases rather than a Google search. Why? To understand the difference between a search engine, like Google, and a database, watch this video.
Evaluating Websites
To evaluate a source, ask yourself a series of questions that address Currency, Relevance, Authority, and Purpose . This process will help you determine if a source is credible and help you identify if it is relevant to your research. Click the graphic to the left for a handout to walk you through the process.
The handouts below can also be downloaded to help evaluate the reliability of news sources and websites.
Using Information
Responsible use of information is a critical research skill. You must be aware of copyright and plagiarism issues.
