For many students, the research process is straight-forward, beginning with choosing a topic and ending with citing sources. For others, the process is not so simple. Sometimes choosing a topic is the biggest hurdle in doing research. Your instructor may assign a general or specific topic, or the choice may be up to you. Knowing where to look for ideas will help you find an interesting subject. Your interests, the things you have been reading, and conversations you have had in class or with others are often good sources of ideas. Sources of background information like general encyclopedias, subject-specific encyclopedias or dictionaries, or textbooks can be sources of ideas.
- When analyzing your assignment, you will also want to consider the type, quantity, and format of information you will need. Answering the following questions may help you organize your research:
- What kind of assignment do you have to complete? (e.g., 5 minute oral presentation, 10 page paper, 50 page paper)
- How much information do you need?
- Is currency important?
- What types of publications do you want to read? (newspaper articles, books, journal articles, diaries, trade publications, etc.)
- What formats do you need? (visual, audio, printed, electronic)
- Is point of view an issue? Do you need opinions?
- How much time do you have?
