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Research Process for Assignments

This guide will walk you through the research process, from selecting a topic to doing your search and putting it all together.

Keyword Searching

Try to break down your topic or research question into the overall main ideas; these main ideas become basic keywords which you may use to search a library database. 

  • PRO TIP: When searching in databases, often the individual records for sources will contain a list of related subjects and terms which you can use for additional searching.
  • Now that you have focused your ideas, you can dig deeper into your one, specific topic. This is the substance of your research and will give you the sources you'll use in your final paper.