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Student Life Skills (SLS) Research Guide

Be successful in college & life

  Step 1 - Choose a topic

Developing a viable research topic requires thought

 

Save yourself time by using Module 2 in the Basic Information Literacy Tutorial (BILT).  It explains the basics of brainstorming a research topic and creating a research question.

 

In addition, Purdue's Online Writing Lab provides a good introduction on understanding your assignment and choosing a topic.

  Step 2 - What kinds (formats) of sources to use for my research?

Using the keywords and concepts identified in Step 1, choose the best kinds of resources to begin your research. Review Module 3 in BILT to learn more about information types.  

  • Do you need background information on your topic?  Do you need statistics or historical data?  Specialized encyclopedias and handbooks can help frame your subject.

Reference Materials give you a general overview of a subject.  
For eReference books try Virtual Reference Library (Gale).   

  • If you need a broad, thorough analysis of your subject, books may expand upon what you learned from the Reference Materials. 

Books give a broad, thorough treatment of a subject.
To find books use Library Search or eBook Collection (EBSCO).

  • Once you have the background and broad understanding of your subject, use articles from databases to get concise, factual information written by other experts.  You will use the keywords from Step 1 in the database search boxes.

Periodicals provide information that is focused, usually from a contemporary point of view.
1) For scholarly peer reviewed journal articles, search Academic Search Complete.
2) For current issues, try Opposing Viewpoints or Issues & Controversies.
3) For local issues, search Florida Today.

  • Google Scholar can provide access to a wide variety of information from government and educational agencies.  Use your keywords from Step 1.

Web Pages can include all information types. Since web publication is fast, use it for very current information. 
1) Use Advanced Search in Google to limit search results to .edu or .gov. 
2) Use Google Scholar to search for scholarly content on the web.