Beginning research can seem daunting. Don't worry! Let's break the project into simple steps and it will become more manageable....

 

1. Think of research topic

If it's broad to begin with, try performing a search on the catalog or a major search engine such as Google to get a feel for current issues that are currently related to that topic. You want the topic to interest you, but you also want to engage with other academia and move the research conversation forward by adding something new.

 

2. Make a list of keywords

As you perform some preliminary searches, you will get a sense of the terminology scholars in that field are using in their language. Write down keywords that you can search in different combinations.

 

 3. Create an outline

Once you develop your topic you can create the central theme and sub-themes of your paper. These sections will make up the paragraphs or bodies of paragraphs of your paper (depending on the length).

 

 4. Make a rough draft

Make a first draft of your thoughts on the topic alongside the ideas of previous scholarship.

 

 5. Revise

As good as your first draft is there is always room for improvement! Read over your work multiple times and make changes.

 

 6. Cite your sources!

You likely have new ideas in your paper to add to the research conversation, so give credit to the ideas you took from other scholars that support your own!