Getting Started with Research

Do background research on your topic to determine whether you need to narrow or broaden your scope. Identify key people, events, and publications.

Using a focused topic, think about the type of information you want to find and where you would find it. Try several searches with different keywords to find the most relevant information.

Evaluate the information you find to see if it’s appropriate to use in your project. Use the CAARP Method and consider the assignment’s source requirements.

Take careful notes as you read and organize how you might use each source. You may need to search for more information. Include in-text citations as you write to avoid plagiarism.

Use the Cite Your Sources guide and other citation tools to help ensure your in-text citations and end citations are formatted correctly. Your readers should be able to find the sources you used.