Research Tips

Research is a method of gathering, analyzing, interpreting and applying data to gain a better understanding of something. It is one of many tools for learning or understanding things. 
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How to Start a Research?

  • Develop a topic: develop a thesis you want to ask questions to get good answers for your research
  • Identify Potential Sources that supports your research
  • Search using keywords 
    • ex. if you were to conduct a research on the effects of global warming in the U.S. Keywords = global warming AND U.S.
  • Make sure sources are relevant and is up-to-date
  • Use information responsibly, ethically and legally (citations)
It may feel like falling into a rabbit hole but the important thing is to keep focus on your research topic.
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What Resources can I use for researching?

  • Use your university's library resources
  • Search Database: ex. Academic Complete Search, Google Scholar, JSTOR, ProQuest

Type of Sources

  • Primary: Diaries, interviews, letters, original works of art, photographs, speeches and works of literature
  • Secondary: Biographies, dissertations, indexes - abstracts, bibliographies, journal articles, and monographs
  • Tertiary: Dictionaries, encyclopedia, and handbooks
​*AVOID using Wikipedia - not reliable source*
Avoid plagiarism. Plagiarism is stealing someone's work and claiming it as yours. It is a serious offense and will not be tolerate. To avoid plagiarism is to cite their work. Check with your professor which style to use for citation, like MLA, APA, and Chicago Style.
Best source and guideline for citations - Purdue Owl