Have a topic in mind. If you can choose your own topic, pick something that interests you. Read through your assignment closely to identify all of the necessary elements. Are you writing an informative paper? Or giving a persuasive speech? Maybe you're creating a mini-documentary film.
How many sources do you need? Are there specific source types that the assignment calls for? For example, scholarly articles, peer-reviewed or referred, in-print books, or Native authored.
Write a research statement or question once you know your topic and assignment. If you choose a research statement, you'll find information supporting your stance. If you choose a research question, you'll look for information to answer the query.
A research statement may look like this: The coffee industry's growth has lasting economic and environmental effects on the developing nations where it is grown.
A research question may look like this: What are the known effects of caffeine on young adults ages 18-26?
When you know your topic, create a research plan and decide what kinds of information you will need. How many sources will you need? What kind of information will be best for your topic?
Research requires some sort of plan. This strategic plan can help guide your research and keep you on track:
Sketch out an outline of your topic and project
Identify your main points, and decide what relevant information that you will need to include
Sample Topics
The research assignment topic:
You may be assigned a research topic, or you may be able to choose your research topic for an assignment. Ask your instructor for possible ideas if. Suppose you cannot decide on an idea, browse through the topic pages in Credo Reference for ideas.
Watch the YouTube video below, "Mapping Your Research Ideas" (2.52), on mind mapping through topics that you are interested in researching.
