Research Process
- Define your research topic and its information requirements
The topic you choose must meet the criteria for the assignment, have enough information available, and be of interest to you.
A topic may already have been assigned or you may need to identify one on your own. Reflecting on class notes and readings as well as being aware of current events can help you find an appropriate topic. Keep in mind the size and scope of your research assignment. How much and what kind of information do your need?
- Locate background information and identify key words and concepts
It is useful to gather some background information before jumping into your research. It will help you focus your research and give you a framework from which to proceed. By doing a preliminary check of some basic sources you will also be able to determine if there is sufficient information available on the topic.
Start by using general and subject specific encyclopedias. Search the HELIN Library Catalog by Subject or Word to locate books on your topic. When using these sources, make note of keywords or subject headings that are used in order to find more sources. See the Reference Librarian for help in locating and using these resources.
In order to make your searching more efficient and effective, make a list of the keywords and concepts that define your topic. Be sure to be on the lookout for additional terms to add to your list as you discover them along the way.
- Focus your research
Know what resources are available to you.
Books can be located through the HELIN Library Catalog. They are good sources for in-depth coverage, but are not likely to contain the most recent information.
Journal, newspaper and magazine articles provide the most up-to-date information. To find articles on a particular subject, use indexes and abstracts available in both print and electronic format. Electronic indexes are usually referred to as online databases. For links to the most frequently used online databases as well as links to RWU's complete list of databases, please refer to the research databases area of the RWU library home page. Choose the most appropriate subject database for your information needs.
Web resources may provide additional information on your topic. However, you will need to know how to properly search and evaluate these resources.
- Evaluate Your Sources
As you conduct your research, continually evaluate your sources of information. Consider the authority of the source. What are the author's qualifications? biases? Is the source well documented? Does the periodical article appear in a scholarly or popular publication?
Then judge the resource for its appropriateness for your topic. Is the information current? Is the information too technical or too simple for the level of research? Do you have sources that deal with all sides of the issue you are researching?
- Ask for Help
If at any time you are lost along the way or not finding the information you need, PLEASE ask the reference librarian for help. The librarians are at the reference desk from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday; from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday; and from 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday. You may also call us at 254-3375 or e-mail us a question by using the Ask a Librarian feature on the library home page.
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