Introduction:
Writing a research paper can sometimes feel very daunting. It is a universal feeling,
hearing you have two weeks for a paper then, all of a sudden, it is the night before
the paper is due and you have barely started on research! While I can’t write the
paper for you or stop you from procrastinating, I can offer some research tips to
make the process a little less painful and maybe even faster.
1. Ask Good Questions
This may seem like the most obvious of tips, but a “bad” question will result in fruitless
hours of research and headaches with almost no progress. Your question needs to be
like Goldilocks; it needs to be narrow but not so much so that you can’t find credible
papers; it also shouldn’t be too broad; otherwise, you’ll never get to the heart of
the problem. For example, ‘What causes climate change?’ is far too broad; there could
be hundreds of answers; unless you want to write a novel, you should narrow the topic.
Or ‘How does climate change affect left-handed people with the last name Johnson?’
It way too specific, and apart from a few firsthand accounts, you won’t find much
in the way of academic resources.
2. Schedule an Appointment with a Librarian or Library Coach
The library has a great program called the Library Coaches. We are students like you
who are well-versed in the research process and can help you with any questions. Visit
our website to schedule an appointment. If that’s not your speed or you think you might have
a more niche research topic or question, the librarians are also always here to help
you out. Simply find the librarian who is the liaison in your area of study and schedule an appointment.
3. Elevate your Search Skills
Mastering the art of academic searching can significantly enhance your research efficiency.
To refine your results, utilize advanced search techniques on search engines and academic
databases. Experiment with Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to narrow or broaden your search, and use quotation marks to find
exact phrases. Additionally, familiarize yourself with filters and advanced database
settings to quickly pinpoint relevant information. If you need help with these techniques,
the library has tutorials to help you get started.
4. Diversify Your Sources
When conducting research, gathering information from various sources is crucial to
ensure a comprehensive understanding of your topic. As a student, I understand the
feeling; you come up with your topic and already have an idea for your thesis. Then,
you start your research and find many journals that completely dismantle your whole
paper. Let the research guide your thesis, not the other way around. Each source provides
a unique perspective, enriching your research and lending credibility to your findings.
Imagine each entry in the bibliography, adding another person to the round table of
discussion; the best breakthroughs come from collaboration. Remember, a well-rounded
bibliography strengthens your argument and demonstrates the depth of your investigation.
5. Stay Organized with Citation Tools
As you go through your research journey, you’ll need an effective way to keep track
of all the sources you come across. Even if you don’t directly cite them in your paper,
it’s always good to have a few sources in your bibliography that you have used to
expand your knowledge on the topic. Tools such as EndNote, RefWorks, and Zotero are
great ways to store and track all your sources. The library even has a few tutorials on how to use these free tools as well. These tools speed up the citation process,
ensuring accuracy and consistency in your bibliography. Correctly citing your sources
avoids plagiarism and adds credibility to your work by showing your thoroughness.
Conclusion
Remember, the library is always here to help you at any stage of your research process.
Hopefully these tips will help you on your research journey and will make the process
much less painful.
