ENGL 2328 Honors American Literature II: American Apocalypse

Do you ever wonder what "research" means in your college courses? Or what makes academic research different from Googling for information online? Watch this Youtube video to learn the difference! 

Odyssey Learning Project. (2021, Nov 30). Defining Research. [Video]. Youtube. https://youtu.be/kAooGXtX8Bo?si=ZkebWZypBojmnRXP.

In simple terms, the process can be accomplished in 5 steps with the possibility of repeating steps. Remember. . . the research process is not linear! 

Identify a topic of interest

• This step is where the brainstorm happens and you define a need.
• Watch this library tutorial to learn more about Choosing a Topic

Look for background information

• Here is where you find foundational information that helps you build your argument or decisions.
• Watch this library tutorial to learn more about Finding Background Information 

Find Keywords

• Keywords are words used to describe your topic. 
• Watch this library tutorial to learn more Identifying Keywords

Search

• Now use your search strategy or keywords to find the information you need!
• Watch these two library tutorials to learn how to Find Books/eBooks and Articles

Read

• The last step requires you to read what you found. Here you also evaluate your resources. 
• Watch this library tutorial to learn more about Evaluating Information

REPEAT steps 1-5 as needed. Don't forget to cite your sources! A librarian can help you through any and/or every step of your research!