Library Instruction Gateway

Research QuickStart

Getting a Jump Start on Research
Research 101 gives a thorough introduction to research basics, but the following outlines briefly the key steps in any research project:

1. Understanding the assignment
   Be sure you're clear on what you have to do, how you're expected to do it, and when it's due. Ask questions and clarify before you start and until you are absolutely clear.
2. Brainstorming & topic selection
   If possible, choose a subject that interests you.
   If you need ideas, check these Hot Topics! links.
   See Research 101 for in-depth help on topic development.
   At this point, you might want to develop a working thesis statement
3. Selection of key terms
   Once you have a topic, write a list of related terms (synonyms, broader & narrower terms) that will help you locate resources such as books and articles. See here for more suggestions.
4. Searching for sources
   
   • Background information:
     Online Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
   • Books, videos, etc.:
     Homer, the library catalog
   • Articles from newspaper, magazine, and scholarly:
     Finding Articles
   • Help in researching: Searching from Research 101
5. Evaluating to select appropriate sources
   Be sure that the sources you find are appropriate for your research. If you're allowed to use Web sites, are you confident the sites are valid as scholarly resources? Who wrote it and/or sponsored it? How old is it? How well is it written? Does it cite other reputable sources?
   For help evaluating all source types, go here.
6. Gathering citations
   Be sure to list your citations in a works cited page or bibliography in the style required by your instructor.
   Assembling your works cited page from Duke University offers good examples in a variety of styles.
   Worried about plagiarism? Be sure to check out this page and take the brief quiz!
7. Writing & revision
   Last but certainly not least, you have to work with the sources you have gathered in writing an academic essay. Academic writing combines your own ideas/words with the words and ideas of others.
   ONLINE! Citation Styles offers a range of links covering each step of the writing process.

Try the Assignment Calculator    

Research 101 is an interactive Web tutorial that offers quick help (with examples!) in each of these areas.

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By Specific Topic:

The Basics: Overview of Research The Internet Popular & Scholarly Sources Primary & Secondary Sources

Information Cycles Making Sense of Information Information Timeline Types of Sources

Finding a Topic Basic Pointers Sources for Topics Asking a Research Question Broadening a Question Narrowing a Question Keywords for Searching Broadening & Narrowing Keywords

Searching & Using Research Databases Databases: Coverage & Use Database Records & Fields Field Searching Creating a Search Query Searching UConn's Library Catalog HOMER

Finding Your Sources in the Library Source Citations Reading Citations for Different Source Types Locating Sources in Library Catalogs How Research Libraries are Arranged How Materials in Libraries are Shelved

Evaluating Sources Evaluating Your Search Strategy Determining the Credibility of a Source Deciding the Usefulness of a Source