Research Calculator Research Logs Graphic Organizers Databases

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Before you get started:

 Choose a topic that is interesting to you and relevant to your coursework.


 Give yourself as much time as possible to get the work done.
o This research calculator can help you plan your time.
 Save your work often so you don’t lose anything.
 Use organization tools (research logs or graphic organizers) to keep track of your work.
o Many of our databases also have the option of creating an account to save articles
and searches.

Step 1 – Formulate Your Question 

 Your research may start as a general idea or a specific question, statement or thesis.
 Know what you want to focus on before you begin.

Step 2 – Get Background Information

 Read about your topic using websites or encyclopedias.


 It introduces you to the topic, helps you to focus on its key elements and can help you decide
to broaden or narrow your focus.
 These sources often include bibliographies that you can “piggyback” to find more sources on
your topic.

Step 3 – Focus and Refine Your Topic

 Think about how you want to explore the topic.


 Ask yourself:
o Is my research intended for a general group or class or is it more specialized? 
o Can or should I limit my topic by time period or place?

Step 4 – Research Tools

 You need the right tool for the job. Using our research guides can help you find these
answers.
 Ask yourself:
o What types of materials do I need? 
o How recent should my materials be? 
o How long do I have to do my research? 
o What subjects are covered by my topic?  

Step 5 – Select Your Tool and Begin

 Use the library’s resources to find journal articles, eBooks and videos.


 Use our library catalog to find books or DVDs.
 If you are using websites, make sure they are quality resources – not just the first result!

Step 6 – Get Stuck, Get Help!

 Never fear, we are here to help you with your research questions!
 Stop by, call: 827-2434 or email: libraryhelp@trocaire.edu.

Step 7 – Gather Your Materials

 Are your best resources books, journals or websites?


 Does the Library have the book or article or will you have to borrow it
from ILL or AcademicSHARE?
o Remember that you have a deadline and that getting all of your materials may take
some time.

Step 8 – Evaluate Your Resources

 You may be overwhelmed by the amount of information you find.


 To find “good” resources for your paper, you must analyze and carefully select them.
o Journal articles have gone through peer-review before being published.
o Books are also edited before publication.
o Use the CRAAP test for website evaluation.

Step 9 – Stay organized 

 Give yourself enough time to conduct your research, so you can understand your topic
enough to write effectively on it.
 Keep track of your research so you don’t have to scramble to find it later.
o Use our research log or graphic organizer to help you stay on track.

Step 10 – Write and Review Your Paper

 Make sure your paper is formatted correctly – APA, MLA or another style an instructor
requires.
 Check to make sure all of your sources have been cited and your research is properly listed
at the end of your paper.

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