Research Basics

 

Use this guide to get started on researching a topic. Also consider using the Assignment Calculator (from Appalachian State University) to manage your time when preparing a course project or research paper.

If you have questions, we have expert librarians ready to help @ 281-290-3213 or chat online.

1. Find an interesting topic
2. Select a manageable aspect of the topic.
3. Determine what kind of information is needed to support the topic.
4. Identify important search tools & sources.
5. Choose important topic word(s) or phrase(s) to search.
6. Learn search options.
7. Check your spelling.
8. Find or request information needed.
9. Evaluate and select your results.
10. Cite sources correctly.

Find an interesting topic.
Check assignment details from your professor for possible topics.
Review topics in the research topic idea generator.
Ask a librarian for additional topic ideas in library or online resources.
Read newspaper or magazine articles on topics listed in the textbook.

Select a manageable aspect of the topic.
Target a time period or geographical area.
Explore a viewpoint or group affected.
Consider a specific problem, issue, or trend.

Determine what kind of information is needed to support the topic.
Overviews (e.g, encyclopedia)
Statistics (e.g., surveys)
Research studies (e.g., journal article)
News report (e.g., newspaper article)
Personal accounts (e.g., interviews)

Identify important search tools & sources.
Library databases feature magazine, newspaper, and journal articles.
The library catalog includes books, CDs, and videos available in Lone Star College–CyFair Branch Library & affiiliated libraries.
Google search engine finds web pages that may include opinions & facts from a variety of sources.
NOTE: You will need a library card to search online databases off campus and request items in the catalog.

Choose important topic word(s) or phrase(s) to search.
For example:
TOPIC = Negative effects of air pollution on health
MAIN TOPIC PHRASE = air pollution
RELATED WORDS = health or disease

Learn search options (e.g., check online help guides).
Keyword vs. subject searching (e.g., smog or ozone vs. air pollution)
Search limits (e.g., date, title, etc.)
Connect terms with words (e.g., smog and Houston)
Phrase searching (e.g., "emission standards")

Check your spelling.
Correct spelling = better search results.
Use an online dictionary to check spelling.

Find or request information needed.
Use the call number found in the online catalog to locate materials on the shelves.
Ask a librarian how to request books and articles from other libraries.
We can get you almost anything you need!

Evaluate and select your results.
Scan results for important topic words, dates, and names.
Choose information sources based on reliable sources cited and relevancy to your needs.
Rate your sources using the interactive Evaluating Information Checklist.
If results are less than expected:
Try your search in a different search tool (e.g., database, search engine).

Cite sources correctly.
Keep track of sources used and ask your professor what type of citation style they prefer.
Get citation help to format sources using MLA, APA, or Chicago style.

This page adapted from Lone Star College-North Harris Library's Quick Information Search Tips, written by M. Norem.

Maintained by: M.Norem-Reference Librarian
monica.r.norem@lonestar.edu