Beginning research can feel challenging, even overwhelming. You might find yourself starting over or changing your strategy, but that is all a part of the process. Here are some tips to help you stay on task and keep moving forward.
- Think about why you are researching. Hopefully, it is something interesting and important to you. Note: Take care of yourself and be aware if you are researching a sensitive topic. Seek assistance if your research is impacting your mental health.
- Think about the type of sources do you need (see the Choosing and Evaluating Sources page for more on this). The type of source you need will determine where you search (for example: the open internet for online resources, library databases for scholarly sources, or the library catalog for physical books).
- Change your search strategy
- If one keyword isn't working well, try a different keyword. Databases are organized in a very specific way and require specific vocabulary to locate information. (for example.: instead of teenagers, try adolescents or young adults).
- Background research can be very helpful in developing keywords and gaining more understanding of your topic. Gale eBooks is a great resource for that!
- Ask for help!
