Research Guides: Library 101: Research Basics: Research Process Quick Tips

How to Choose and Narrow Your Research Topic
Explains the research process, and how to adjust your research topic and you begin to look for sources.
Background Research Tips
Strategies for aligning your research focus with assignment guidelines and research tools such as concept maps.
Choosing a Database
How to select the best database(s) for your information need and assignment requirements.
Search Techniques
This tutorial will help you master searching library resources such as scholarly databases—starting with choosing keywords, then putting them together to retrieve accurate results.
Why You Need Multiple Sources
Using background information and detailed sources for your research.
Introduction to Bias
Biased information is everywhere, but it’s especially important to check for bias in
online sources.
Synthesis
Strategies for writing a strong paper that brings together ideas from multiple sources, identifying main ideas, and paraphrasing and summarizing techniques.

CREDO Mind Map

Create an interactive visual of key terms related to your topic using CREDO's mind map feature.

VIDEO - 5 Tips for Critical Thinking. From diets to debates: ideas to keep in mind as you make decisions.
VIDEO - From Idea to Library: How Journal Articles and Databases Work. Library databases use a different algorithm.
VIDEO - Picking Your Topic IS Research: How the Process Works. Research is a circular process.
VIDEO - Searching for Images

Concept Map 1
Printable visual concept map
Research Paper Organizer
Use this form to help you organize your resources and your thoughts.
Concept Map 2
Printable visual concept map