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Health Sciences

Research Databases vs Google

Research Steps

Research steps

Review Assignment

Review assignment details from your professor before you start, and at least once more while working on it. Note the following:

  • Due Date: If the deadline is within two weeks, schedule specific days for the tasks listed below; making sure to include a day between steps if possible, so you can approach your project with fresh eyes at least once:
    • Perform Research
    • Outline / Organize the Information you Researched
    • Compose the First Draft
    • Revise and Polish
  • Information Sources
    • Type of Source: Does your research assignment require you to use scholarly / academic sources?
    • Format of Sources: Are websites allowed? Database articles are the most common expectations for research projects, but your professor may also require that you use print or electronic books.
    • Number of Sources: Professors often expect you to locate and represent multiple voices for your topic in your project, not just one, often requiring a target number of sources.
  • Ask Questions
    • If you're unsure about a requirement or the goal of the assignment, ask your professor to clarify so that you (and your peers) are clear about assignment expectations and the intended learning.

Selecting a topic for a research assignment can be challenging. Your professors will have a list of topics they want you to select from, or they might want you to select your own topic related to the field or subject area for the class.

Below are some helpful tips you can take when selecting a topic: 

Tip 1: Brainstorm a Topic Idea

Make sure to select a topic that you find interesting and that meets the requirements for the assignment. Consider topics related to the field or subject area of the class. If you are in doubt about your selected topic, ask your professor.

Tip 2: Consider Connecting Concepts

After you have brainstormed your broad topic, you will need to consider connecting concepts. For example, if you selected climate change as your topic, you might look into related topics connected to your broad topic, such as, pollution, emissions, environment, fossil fuels, and temperature.

Tip 3: Narrow the Focus

You do not want your topic to be too broad or too narrow. Consider narrowing the focus of your topic. This can include looking into your topic's location, culture, demographics, time period, discipline, etc.

Tip 4: Access Reference Resources

Conduct background research on your topic to help make your final decision. Accessing reference resources, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries, will help provide background information you can use to help make your final decision in selecting a topic. 

Once you have identified a potential topic for your paper, you will want to do some background research to get more info.

Doing background research can provide you with:

  • An overview of the topic
  • Definitions of terms related to your topic
  • Current arguments related to your topic
  • Potential keywords to be used to search for books, articles, etc.
  • Other articles or books that are on your topic

Starting your research project can feel overwhelming, especially if the topic is lengthy or your topic broad. Here are some tips to get you start on the right path and help you not feel overwhelmed. 

Start Researching:

  • Write out your full research question.
  • Narrow down the key terms, these you will use to search with.
  • Use the Key Word pdf to map out your key words with possible synonyms and related terms that overlap with your topic area.
  • Review assignments requirements for they type of resources are required.
    • Example: Professors may require a mixture of academic journals, books, clinical trials or newspapers. 
    • Professors might limit websites or other resource types. It varies per assignment.
  • Start using your search terms to find relevant resources.

Narrow Your Results:

  • Narrow to Full Text, or Full Free Text ONLY. Abstracts will not be helpful for your needs.
  • Narrow by the last 5 years when researching for more current data. Exception: you are looking for historical data.
  • Narrow by document type such as academic journals, clinical trials, or book reviews depending on your assignment's requirement.
  • When you find a relevant article use the subject headings, and the resources listed at the end to find similar resources.
  • Use your key word search to try different search terms to achieve better results.

Who: What notable names, organizations, or groups of people are mentioned in the source? (Ex: Barack Obama, Affordable Care Act)

What: Are there specific events mentioned in the source? (Affordable Care Act enactment)

When: Are specific eras, time periods, or dates mentioned? (Ex: March 2010, 21 st century)

Where: Does the source mention geologic locations? (Ex: United States)

Why: What are the causes of the event(s)? (Ex: Americans without health insurance, human rights)