Library Instruction Gateway

Research QuickStart

Getting a Jump Start on Research
Research 101 gives a thorough introduction to research basics, but the following outlines briefly the key steps in any research project:

1. Understanding the assignment
   Be sure you're clear on what you have to do, how you're expected to do it, and when it's due
2. brainstorming & topic selection
   If possible, relate your research to something you know that interests you. If not, check here for links to "hot topic" resources. Check out Research 101 for more in-depth help on topic development.
   At this point, you might want to develop a working thesis statement (follow the link for help!)
3. selection of key terms
   Once you have a topic, write a list of related terms (synonyms, broader & narrower terms) that will help you locate resources such as books and articles. See here for more suggestions.
4. searching for sources
   Use the library catalog to find books and research databases to find magazine, journal and newspaper articles.
   Use this link for a brief introduction to using these resources.
5. Evaluating to select appropriate sources
   Be sure that the sources you find are appropriate for your research. If you're allowed to use Web sites, are you confident the sites are valid as scholarly resources? Who wrote it and/or sponsored it? How old is it? How well is it written? Does it cite other reputable sources?
   For help evaluating all source types, go here.
6. gathering citations
   Be sure to list your citations in a works cited page or bibliography in the style required by your instructor.
   This Web site offers good examples in a variety of styles.
   Worried about plagiarism? Be sure to check out this page and take the brief quiz!
7. writing & revision
   Last but certainly not least, you have to work with the sources you have gathered in writing an academic essay. Academic writing combines your own ideas/words with the words and ideas of others.
   This Web site offers a range of links covering each step of the writing process.

Try the Assignment Calculator

Research 101 is an interactive Web tutorial that offers quick help (with examples!) in each of these areas.

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By Specific Topic:

The Basics: Overview of Research The Internet Popular & Scholarly Sources Primary & Secondary Sources

Information Cycles Making Sense of Information Information Timeline Types of Sources

Finding a Topic Basic Pointers Sources for Topics Asking a Research Question Broadening a Question Narrowing a Question Keywords for Searching Broadening & Narrowing Keywords

Searching & Using Research Databases Databases: Coverage & Use Database Records & Fields Field Searching Creating a Search Query Searching UConn's Library Catalog HOMER

Finding Your Sources in the Library Source Citations Reading Citations for Different Source Types Locating Sources in Library Catalogs How Research Libraries are Arranged How Materials in Libraries are Shelved

Evaluating Sources Evaluating Your Search Strategy Determining the Credibility of a Source Deciding the Usefulness of a Source