Once you have a topic idea, you will want to begin to refine it into a question that can be successfully researched. You may need to do some reading or searching to gain enough basic knowledge about your topic to begin to refine it. Here are links to some other tips for improving your topic.
When searching for information it is best to use 2-3 concept keywords instead of your entire topic question or a sentence.
For example, your research question is "Does fracking cause water pollution?" First, underline the keywords a shown.
Then begin generating synonyms and related words to help you develop a search strategy.
| fracking | water | pollution |
| hydraulic fracturing | underground water | contamination |
| drilling for natural gas | aquifers | toxins |
| natural gas wells | wells | carcinogens |
| directional drilling | domestic water supply | flammable water |
Do you need to write a research paper? Not sure how to get started?
1. Determine Topic
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2. Identify Keywords
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3. Search for Information
The types of resources that you will need to find will be determined by your specific assignment and topic. See Information Formats for more information.
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Provides a general overview of topics
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Contain articles written by experts in a field and are often peer-reviewed |
Provides the fastest coverage of information on current topics |
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Provides in-depth information on a topic |
Written for people workingin a particular profession |
Any document created by a government agency |
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First hand accounts created during an event, such as diaries, photographs, and interviews |
Written for the general public by jjournalists or professional writers |
Any sort of online information or search engine that can be created by anyone
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4. Evaluate Sources
Is this resource a good source of information? Use the CRAAP Test to find out!
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5. Cite Sources
It is always important to correctly cite and document your sources in order to avoid plagiarism.
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