Research Process

• What interests you? Make a list.
• Scan your textbook for broad topic ideas.
• Peruse current periodicals and newspapers to see what catches your eye. Periodicals are located in Hewes Library across from the coffee shop.
• Browse print encyclopedias in Hewes Library. Use the call number list below to browse in a subject area.
• Search digital encyclopedias for topic keywords and gather background information.
• Look at "hot topic" databases (see examples at right) that feature articles on current events and controversial issues.
• Discuss potential topics with your instructor, a librarian or a classmate.

Finding background information helps develop more complex research questions. Resources like encyclopedias and dictionaries:

• build a base of knowledge
• help formulate additional questions to investigate 
• lead to additional information resources 

Once you have selected an initial topic, the next step is to develop research questions. To begin:

• Write down what you already know or don't know about the topic.
• Using the information you wrote down, develop questions you'd like to answer when doing your research.
  • Use probing questions such as why? how? what if? should?
  • Avoid questions that can be answered with yes or no. 

An example is provided below.

What DO or DON'T I know about the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?

I know it's a law that protects animals, and their habitats, that are in danger of extinction. I believe the law only protects habitats that are within the U.S. boundaries.  The gray wolf population, since being protected, has grown substantially in Wisconsin and now Illinois. A farmer in my hometown lost several calves to wolves and lawmakers are considering lifting the endangered status so wolf populations could be controlled with hunting. I don't know what it takes for an animal to be removed from the list and I don't know what the penalties are for violating this act.

Research Questions

• What was the Endangered Species Act (ESA) designed to protect?

• What animals are currently on the endangered species list?

• What penalties are imposed on those who violate the act?

• How does an animal get added/removed from the list?

• What other countries have legislation to protect animals/habitats?

• How does government balance the good of one species with the potential impact (financial or otherwise) to humans?

Before you can begin searching for information in a print or online resource, you need to identify keywords related to your topic. Key terminology can be easily be found by scanning:

• Your initial research questions
• Encyclopedia and other articles used when conducting background research
• Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles

If you are still struggling, then try these suggestions:

• Use a print thesaurus or Microsoft Office's thesaurus tool to identify synonyms
• Find pictures related to your topic, then describe the picture
• Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend

If you are not finding enough information, your topic may be too narrow. Consider broadening it by:

• Exploring related issues
• Compare or contrast the topic with another topic
• Consider:
  • Time period 
  • Population 
  • Geographic location 
• Recent topics or current events may be difficult to research with much depth because the topic may not be covered in books and journal articles yet. Choose an alternative topic that is related, but not so recent.

If you are finding too much information, your topic may be too broad. Consider narrowing it by:

• Time period -- 1960's, bronze age, etc.
• Geographic location -- Denver, New York, Australia, etc.
• Population -- age, race, gender, nationality or other group

• Smaller piece of the topic:

  • Genre -- jazz (music)
  • Event -- Battle of the Bulge (WWII)
  • Aspect -- government regulations (pollution)
  • Discipline or Subject -- music (in early childhood education)
  • Ask yourself: Who are the stakeholders in this topic? (government, environment, a culture?) Focus on ONE or TWO.