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Student Research Guide

If you are working on a project or paper, this guide will introduce you to the essential tools and resources for any assignment.

Finding a Topic

1. Brainstorm topics

  • Consider your own interests - make a list!→
  • Talk with classmates
  • Look at encyclopedias or dictionaries and review class readings and syllabus

2. Review assignment requirements

  • What type of assignment is it - a quick oral presentation, a long paper?
  • How much information do you need?
  • Does the information need to be current or historical?
  • Is point of view an issue? Do you need opinions?

Next Develop a Research Question