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Hugh Thurlow Memorial Library

Checklist for research

Research is not a quick trip to the information store. Instead, think of research more like laundry. It never ends, but its always a good thing to do. To make it a little easier, use this check list approach:

  • think of a broad topic
  • make a mind map of what you already know (try https://coggle.it/)
  • do an internet search to give yourself some background (this is a good time to use Wikipedia)
  • develop your mind map based on the internet search
  • take a first dive into databases (Ebscohost is a great starting point)
  • step back -- do you have any questions?
  • narrow your topic based on what you have done so far
  • go back to the databases
    • use controlled vocabulary to get a more relevant search result
    • check out the subject headings for the books/articles you find most relevant
  • write a topic sentence
    • while you are at it, write down a few major themes you discover along the way
  • write an outline
    • think about what you are missing
  • back to the databases - ask the librarian if there is anything you missed
  • fill out the outline and write the paper
  • make an appointment with the SLC to work through your paper with a writing specialist
  • turn in your draft - use Turnitin if your instructor requests it
  • read your instructor's comments and edit your paper accordingly
  • turn in your final version

It seems like a lot, but once you get into the habit, it really isn't. Just one step at a time. 

Research Resources

Evaluating Sources

 

Academic Research Online:

A resource for conducting academic research online.

 

Wikipedia Explained:

Created by North Carolina State University, this video explains how information is gathered for Wikipedia.

 

 

The CRAAP Test:

A comic that shows how to think critically about information you find when doing research.

 

Evaluating Sources Overview:

An evaluating sources resource by OWL Purdue.

 

Citation Guidelines

 

APA Style:

APA (American Psychological Association) style is used in psychology, education, and other fields within the social sciences. It was developed by social and behavioral scientists to standardize scientific writing. Use APA for term papers, research reports, empirical studies, literature reviews, theoretical articles, methodological articles, and case studies.

 

Chicago Style:

The Chicago Manual of Style is used in some social science publications and most historical journals. It offers writers the choice between different formats and also invites the mixing of formats, provided that the result is clear and consistent.

 

MLA Style:

MLA stands for Modern Language Association and is used for literature, arts, and humanities.

 

Citation Builder:

A citation builder provided by the UNC Library. Students can use it for reference and apply it to their work at RMCAD.

 

Citing Sources:

A citation builder provided by the UNC Library. Students can use it for reference and apply it to their work at RMCAD.

 

Write an Annotated Bibliography:

A citation builder provided by the UNC Library. Students can use it for reference and apply it to their work at RMCAD.

Writing Guidelines

 

Assignment Calculator:

A resource by the University of Minnesota that breaks down research and writing projects into manageable steps based on your due dates.

 

Choosing a Topic:

The Chicago Manual of Style is used in some social science publications and most historical journals. It A resource by Colorado State University on how to choose a topic for an assignment.

 

Writing a Research Paper:

A resource by the University of Wisconsin-Madison on discovering, narrowing, and focusing on a researchable topic.

 

Concept Map Development:

A writing process resource by the Fleet Library at RISD on concept mapping. Concept mapping is a visual tool for organizing and representing knowledge.

 

Developing an Outline:

A resource by the Purdue OWL on the four main components of effective outlines.

 

12 Common Errors:

A by the University of Wisconsin-Madison on the twelve common errors to be mindful of while editing your paper.

 

Get it Write:

A collection of articles that explain punctuation, grammar, mechanics, word usage, and other topics.

 

Conducting Peer Reviews:

A resource by The Writing Center about conducting peer reviews and what you can do to criticize appropriately.

 

What is Plagiarism Video:

A resource by Rutgers University that goes over plagiarism and how to correctly cite your resources.

 

U.S. Copyright Laws:

A resource that goes over the U.S. copyright laws.

 

Educational Fair Use:

A resource by the Purdue Owl on strategies for fair use.

 

Copyright on Campus:

A video by Copyright Clearance Centers that goes over fair use in detail.

 

Purdue Owl Online Writing Guide:

Created by Purdue, this website is a one stop shop for CMS, APA, and MLA citation help as well as writing style and grammar.

 

University of NC Writing Center:

This University Writing Center page includes tools for writing a paper, citation, style, sentence concerns and other writing assignment issues.

CONTACT US:

Library Email: library@rmcad.edu | Student Learning Center Email: learning@rmcad.edu