Build on your high school research experiences and adjust to the higher standards recommended for college research projects with these tips and guidelines.
Last Updated: Feb 13, 2015
What types of resources are required? How many?
- professional literature vs. popular literature
- books vs. articles vs. websites
- reference materials (encyclopedia, dictionary, atlas, etc.)
Make sure you understand the type of research project you are assigned! Here are a few that are common:
- Informative--present information on a topic
- Argumentative--discuss two or more sides to an issue, persuading the audience that a position/opinion has more evidence to support it
- Comparison/Contrast--explore the differences and similarities of two issues or things that have a common purpose
- Explication--explain / interpret a creative work, such as poetry, paintings, stories, etc.
- Critique / Analysis--analyze the effect / value of a project
- Review textbook chapters
- Browse magazines & newspapers for topics of interest
- Reflect on issues in your intended profession, career or discipline
- Expand on a topic discussed in class
- Talk with your advisor / instructor
- CQ Researcher (Congressional Quarterly)
CQ Researcher (Congressional Quarterly) is an essential resource for understanding the most critical events and controversial subjects of the day. CQ Researcher covers a wide range of social, economic, political, environmental and health issues of the day. Lists of common topics for research are useful to browse when choosing a topic. Files cover 1991 to present.