I. Identify & Develop Your Topic
- Topic
: Was your research topic assigned or are you allowed to select your own topic? Consider the following for ideas if you are allowed to choose your own topic:
- Your own interests or hobbies
- Current events
- What are the parameters of the assignment?
- What are the length requirements for the assignment?
- How many sources are you required to cite?
- Is currency of information important?
- What formats (books, journal, Internet sources, etc.) are you required/allowed to use/cite?
- When is the assignment due?
- Identify your research topic by stating it as a question, “How did World War I set the stage for World War II?” and identify the main concepts of your topic:
- Drastic limitations on Germany’s armaments and trade.
- Demilitarization of the territory on the right bank of the Rhine River.
- Internationalization of several rivers and the Kiel Canal.
- Huge reparation payments required from Germany (132 billion gold marks = S$33 billion).
- Germany’s renunciation of territories in Europe and all overseas colonies.
- Initiation of international organizations in the League of Nations and World Court.
- Find Background Information on Your Topic in general and subject specific encyclopedias and other reference works in the library. This step will help you clarify in your mind what types of information you are looking for when you begin your in-depth research.
- Look for your topic’s main concepts in online databases and the library catalog.
- If you find too many sources, narrow your search by placing AND between your search terms.
- If you find too few sources, broaden your search by placing OR between your search terms.
>>> Next >>>
|
