Research constitutes a multifaceted process that encompasses various interconnected steps. To assist you in initiating your research project—be it for writing a paper, preparing a presentation, or developing a digital exhibit—consider utilizing the following tips and resources.
Understand Your Assignment
Choosing and selecting your research topic is among the most difficult aspects of the research process. Below are several recommendations to help you begin.
- Consider the parameters of your assignment; various types of assignments and their specific requirements may be suited to distinct topics.
- Examine concepts – Review your syllabus and course materials to identify any ideas that may inspire you, investigate recent news and current affairs, or reflect on any personal interests or hobbies that may relate to your coursework.
- Evaluate your subject and perform preliminary research – Conduct online searches related to your topic to verify the availability of usable information. Engaging in background research can provide you with a broad understanding and assist in narrowing down your focus. Utilize resources such as Wikipedia for a definition of terms.
Research Process Steps
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Select a Topic
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Background Research
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Find Sources
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Evaluate Sources
Need an Idea for a Research Topic?
Choosing a research topic is an essential first step in the research process. Begin by pinpointing your area of interest—something that captivates or piques your curiosity—while also taking into account the requirements of your assignment.
Engage in preliminary research utilizing open access resources such as DOAJ, Encyclopedia Britannica or Project Gutenberg to investigate current trends and identify gaps within your field.
Narrow your focus by posing questions such as, “Which specific aspect of this topic captivates me?” or “What issue am I seeking to resolve?” It is important to ensure that the topic is appropriately scoped, neither too broad nor too narrow, allowing for comprehensive exploration within the constraints of time and available resources.
Lastly, seek input from professors, colleagues, or librarians to refine your topic and verify its relevance and practicality.
Effective background research begins with a thorough understanding of the broader context surrounding your research question.
You can begin by utilizing open access resources such as arXiv.org for information on physics, mathematics, and computer science, and PLOS ONE for multidisciplinary peer-reviewed articles or The Management Library for business related information. These platforms can provide essential knowledge and assist in identifying significant studies, methodologies, and concepts.
As you explore these resources, pay particular attention to review articles, which present comprehensive summaries of specific topics and can facilitate further investigation.
It is important to document keywords and emerging trends during your search to sharpen your focus. Moreover, critically assess the relevance and reliability of the information to ensure it meets the requirements of your project.
Do not hesitate to seek assistance from the librarian or your professors to effectively navigate these resources and establish a robust foundation for your research.
To find reliable information for your research topics, begin by identifying credible open access resources and open educational resources (OERs) that align with your subject.
Websites like Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ) and Open Research Library provide free access to scholarly articles across multiple disciplines.
For scientific research, arXiv.org offers information on physics and computer science, OERs, such as textbooks available through OpenStax, can also help you understand foundational concepts.
When using research resources, start by exploring general keywords related to your topic and then narrow your focus based on recurring themes or gaps in the information. Keep detailed notes and ensure the sources you choose are peer-reviewed or from reputable platforms. If needed, consult the librarian or instructors to guide you in refining your search strategy and evaluating your sources.
Suggested Sources:
During your research for assignments, you will encounter a diverse range of sources. Some of these will be suitable for inclusion in your paper or presentation, while others may not be appropriate. To assist you in evaluating the quality of a source, you can utilize the Credibility Continuum.
The Credibility Continuum by Eric Shannon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The specific method employed however is not of paramount importance; rather, various methods may be more effective depending on the source, discipline, purpose, and individual involved. The methods presented here are merely a selection of common approaches, not an exhaustive list.
The CRAAP Test
Evaluation Criteria
Currency: The timeliness of the information.
- When was the information published or posted?
- Has the information been revised or updated?
- Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well?
- Are the links functional?
Relevance:
The importance of the information for your needs.
- Does the information relate to your topic or answer your question?
- Who is the intended audience?
- Is the information at an appropriate level (i.e. not too elementary or advanced for your needs)?
- Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use?
- Would you be comfortable citing this source in your research paper?
Authority: The source of the information.
- Who is the author/publisher/source/sponsor?
- What are the author’s credentials or organizational affiliations?
- Is the author qualified to write on the topic?
- Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address?
- Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source?
examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net
Accuracy: The reliability, truthfulness and correctness of the content.
- Where does the information come from?
- Is the information supported by evidence?
- Has the information been reviewed or refereed?
- Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge?
- Does the language or tone seem unbiased and free of emotion?
- Are there spelling, grammar or typographical errors?
Purpose: The reason the information exists.
- What is the purpose of the information? Is it to inform, teach, sell, entertain or persuade?
- Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear?
- Is the information fact, opinion or propaganda?
- Does the point of view appear objective and impartial?
- Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional or personal biases?
“Evaluating Information – Applying the CRAAP Test” by Meriam Library, California State University, Chico, is licensed under CC BY 4.0