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CUW Library Resources

This guide offers access to core library services, research tools, databases, and instructional support to assist students and faculty in academic research and information literacy.

Getting Started with Research

 

Step 1: Consider the Assignment

How much time do you have?
If you have several weeks, your instructor is expecting you to do more research.

Do you need scholarly references?
Topics focused narrowly on recent events might not be covered yet in scholarly books and articles. Try identifying the bigger picture a recent event represents. For example, #MeToo is about sexual harassment and sexual violence awareness.

How long does your paper need to be?

  • A short paper will need a focused idea.
  • A longer paper a will need a broader topic, or a topic with a lot of information.

Step 2: Brainstorm Topic Ideas

  • Search your textbook or syllabus for course relevant topics you could expand on.
  • Come up with a few sample topic ideas and ask your instructor for feedback.
  • Try this list: U-Michigan Research Topic Ideas (Website) 
  • Try a topic starter database that provides an overview of sample topics.
  • Browse news sources (in print or online) for ideas.
  • Browse news sources (in print or online) for ideas

Step 3: Test Your Topic

Before you settle on a topic, do some test searching to see if there are enough resources and information available.

  • Use different types of search tools -- try a variety of databases and Primo; each source may offer different perspectives or materials.
  • Scan for scholarly sources -- make sure that there are peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and credible sources on the topic.
  • Pay attention to publication dates -- if you find most sources are very old, the topic might not be current. If your assignment requires up-to-date research, make sure that recent articles within the time frame specified by your instructor are available.
  • Note the volume and quality of results -- if your search only yields a few results or none that seem scholarly or reliable, you may need to rethink or adjust your topic.
  • Ask a librarian! -- if you're not finding what you need, reach out to the librarians to figure out if your topic is researchable or if it needs adjusting. 

Step 4: Evaluate Your Topic

Too Broad? Too Narrow? Or Just Right?

Is your topic TOO BROAD? For example, a topic that is too broad: The Environment. This is too broad because it includes multiple subtopics.

Is your topic TOO NARROW? For example, a topic that is too narrow might be: The water quality of the Milwaukee River between 2011-2015; while you might find a resource or two, you won’t find enough sources to write a complete research paper.

Is your topic JUST RIGHT? Try picking a specific angle, subtopic, or how a narrow topic influences other factors in your field. An example might be: What are the effects of pollution on water quality in Milwaukee County?

Source: University Library, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign