When you start research on a topic you generally begin with some broad ideas and then refine and focus the search as you begin to gather information. Keep a record of what you find and where you found it because not only will you need it for your project's bibliography, but you may need to re-visit some of the sources as you focus your search. 

There are several steps to this process: identify the topic; gather information; focus the research. You'll probably have to take the steps over and over a few times. As you proceed, you'll formulate a focused research question.  That's the question you'll be answering in your paper. 

Another way to approach a topic is to create a 'concept map' - a brainstorming technique that helps organize a research problem. From there a search strategy can be developed to assist in finding information.

This guide has been broken down into tabs:

The Keys to Success discusses approaches for a successful research process.

Research Question visually shows how a research question develops from a broad topic to a focused question.

Concept Mapping describes how to use this tool to help explore your research topic.

Search Strategy will help you use your focused research question and concept mapping to actually find information on your topic.

Academic Disciplines lays out how the major areas of information are defined.

Click on the black arrow to open the chat in a new window.

Chat is available during our regular hours.
If we're not online, please email us at urilibrarian@gmail.com. Please allow 1 business day for a response.