Step 1: Choose your topic

           Select a topic and state it in the form of a question.  These databases provide
           ideas and background information on a topic, often giving both sides of an argument:

                 CQ Researcher Online: Comprehensive, non-biased reporting and analysis on issues
                                                    shaping our world.

                 Opposing Viewpoints: Draws on the acclaimed social issues series published by
                                                 Greenhaven Press, as well as   core reference content from
                                                 other Gale and Macmillan Reference USA sources to provide
                                                 a complete one-stop source for information on social issues.
                                                 Access viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, primary
                                                 documents, links to websites, and full-text magazine and
                                                 newspaper articles.

                 SIRS Researcher: Thousands of full-text articles exploring social, scientific, historic,
                                            economic, political, and global issues

Step 2: Identify keywords and subject headings related to your topic

          Keywords and subject headings may be found in encyclopedias, dictionaries,
          and other reference materials such as handbooks, and manuals, etc.  By searching
          the Online Catalog under a subject search, one can also see other related subject
          headings (ex. "genetic engineering" as a subject search will point to "fertilization
          in vitro" and "molecular cloning" as other narrower subject headings).

          It may be necessary to narrow your topic at this point if your topic is too broad.

Step 3: Gather background information relating to your topic

This is done through the use of the Online Catalog, periodical indexes and abstracts, dictionaries, almanacs, bibliographies, internet resources, videos and audio resources.

See: Reference Collection: Encyclopedias, Dictionaries, Biographical Sources,
Almanacs and Statistical Sources, Atlases, Reviews and Plot Summaries

See the Subject Guides Page for assistance in locating books, periodicals,
databases and web sites in your subject area.

Step 4: Evaluate the information collected

           Determine whether enough material has been collected.

           Evaluate the quality of the information. Determine the authenticity and accuracy
           of the information, particularly information derived from the open internet.  Look
           for sites that end in .edu, .gov. or .org.  Information from these sites is usually
           more reliable.  Use of Chesnutt Library's databases does not constitute use
           of the open Internet, since the Library subscribes to the databases.

Step 5: Co-ordinate information and write your paper using a chosen format
              (ex. MLA - Modern Language Association; ALA - American Psychological
              Association, etc.)

           Ensure that proper credit is given to sources used.  See the Guide on
           Style Manuals and Information for Writing Papers.  Style manuals are also
           available at the Reference Desk in Chesnutt Library on the first floor.

For More In-Depth Help on Researching a Topic, See the Subject Guide on
Developing a Research Topic in the Introduction to Library Research.

This page constructed by Lewis E. Trott. Updated by Jan Whitfield. Updated 3/13/07.