Topics
A topic may be:
1. assigned by your professor
2. developed through discussion
3. developed by reading or via the media
4. of personal interest
5. based on professional experience
A topic should:
-- be very interesting to you
-- not be too broad and not be too narrow
For example, you may decide on a topic while reading a book or while listening to the news.
Further develop your topic as you locate information. You may need to broaden or narrow it.
Topics
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Choosing a Topic, from Authenticity and Learning... page 8.Kevin Michael Klipfel. Authenticity and Learning: Implications for Reference Librarianship and Information Literacy Instruction College & Research Libraries. January 2015. 76:19-30. See page 8.
Explore Topics at The New York Times
Search Strategies
Use this guide, the Cressman Library Researching... LibGuide, to get started and to refer to throughout the research process.
Also, download the Search Strategies document for a checklist of steps to follow.
Research -- books about the research process, include:
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Student Guide to Research in the Digital Age: How to Locate and Evaluate Information Sources by Call Number: R 025.524 S811SPublication Date: 2006 -
The Information-Literate Historian: A Guide to Research for History Students by Call Number: R 907.2 P934IPublication Date: 2006
Research
Research questions will answer, for example:
WHO - Who is affected by the topic?
WHAT - What impact? What effect?
WHEN - Current? Historic?
WHERE - Local? International?
"What effect does global warming have on public health in the United States?"