Getting Started
Following the six step Information Search Process (ISP) will save time and keep you organized through all phases of any research assignment.
| Understand the Assignment: Understand the specifics including length of paper, topic options/instructions, citation style and resources permitted before beginning topic selection, research or any other part of the assignment. | |
| Select a Topic: Think about what the assignment guidelines are and choose something that is interesting to you. | |
| Explore your Topic: Take your topic and narrow it down to what you want to focus on, normally a few main points. | |
| Develop a Thesis/Specific Purpose Statement: Decide your objective so you can inform the readers what you will discuss. | |
| Research: Work within the assignment guidelines to decide on appropriate resources. Keep track of your citations as you go. | |
| Write: Using your research and critical thinking skills, write your paper. |
| Library Cards |
Use your library card to borrow items and for off-campus access to eResources.
| Subject Specific eResources |
- SocIndex with Full Text This link opens in a new window
- Nursing & Allied Health This link opens in a new window
- ScienceDirect This link opens in a new window
| Start Your Research |
| Citations |
Citation generator to help with your works cited/reference page.
You will need to create your own account (see the NoodleTools Tutorial for assistance).
An active library card is required to access NoodleTools from off-campus.
For citation help, check out the Citation Help page.
| Primary vs. Secondary Sources |
| Primary vs. Secondary Sources Quick Check |
Characteristics of Primary Sources/Research Articles
- Presents original data and ideas from a scientific investigation
including the results of experiments, observations and other scientific investigations - Reported by scientists and written for others in the field and published in scientific journals (usually peer-reviewed)
- Most primary articles have at least some of these headings - method/materials, experimental procedure, results, discussion/data interpretation
Characteristics of Secondary Sources/Review Articles
-
Describes, interprets, analyzes and evaluates the original research as well as comments on and discusses the evidence provided by primary sources
- Written for a scientific audience or for a non-scientific audience by experts (scientists) or general writers
- Published in science magazines and may be published in some science journals