Writing/Composition: Research Process
Creating a Keyword List
To create a Keyword List, start by stating your topic as a “why?” or “how?” question. Think of significant words or terms that describe your topic, including synonyms and related terms.
Here are some examples:
- Koran / Quran / Qur’an
- Lou Gehrig’s Disease / Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis / ALS
- Capital punishment / Death penalty
- Revolutionary War / American Revolution
- Human trafficking / Sex slave trade
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder / PTSD
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome / AIDS / HIV / Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Gathering Background Information
Use these links to find some background information on your topic before you begin your big search:
- WikipediaDO NOT USE WIKIPEDIA AS A SOURCE, but it is a good place to get a little background information, and maybe some ideas for keywords.
Broadening and Narrowing Your Topic
- Broadening/Narrowing a TopicA guide from the University of Michigan on expanding or narrowing your research topic.
- How To Narrow or Broaden A TopicFact sheet on adjusting your topic; adapted from UCLA libraries.
The Research Process
Not sure how to start your research? Follow these steps to begin:
1. Choose a General Topic – Brainstorm possible topic ideas. You may find possible topics from classroom discussions, current events, or personal interest. It helps if you are interested in the topic, as you will be spending a lot of time learning about it.
2. Create a Keyword List – Make a list of synonyms or other words that are related to your topic and may be good search terms. In some cases there may be different ways to spell your topic, and you want to include all of them in your keyword list so you don’t miss anything.
3. Start to Gather Background Information – Use general information sources to help you find out basic facts about your topic. This may also provide you with new keywords or other subtopics within your topic.
4. Broadening/Narrowing a Topic – Sometimes a topic may be too broad or too narrow, and you will need to adjust it in order to get the correct depth of research you need for your paper or presentation.
5. Search for Resources – Now that you have narrowed down your topic and have good keywords, you can begin searching for resources using the SRC Online Catalog and SRC Databases.
6. Evaluate Resources – Not all resources are equally good for you to use. Make sure you are using the best sources for your paper or presentation that you can find. See the Evaluate Resources tab for more information.
7. Based on a Focused Thesis Statement, Accurate Note Taking, and an Organized Outline, Write your Paper – Using correct citations, of course!
Finding Books
There are a variety of places you can find books on your topic:
- Go here to look up books, DVDs, and CDs that we have in our library. You can also use this site to request Interlibrary Loan materials and monitor your library account.
- The Phoenixville Library is a branch of the Chester County Library System. It is another place you can find books.
WorldCat.org: The World’s Largest Library Catalog
If we don’t have a book you need, another library in the area might. This site lets you put in your zip code and let you know the closest libraries that have a certain book.Library of Congress Classification Outline
Listed at this website are the main categories of the Library of Congress Classification system. Click each category for further breakdowns.
How Do I Find a Book Using a Call Number?
Finding Articles
Articles cannot be found on the Library Online Catalog. You need to look in databases for them.
- Library DatabasesLog onto MyValleyForge.edu and then click on the Library Resources tab in the upper right hand corner to get to the library databases.
- Databases from the Chester County Library SystemThe Chester County Library System provides free online databases for those with a library card. You can get yours at the Phoenixville Library or at the beginning of each semester on campus.
Assignments, Step by Step
- The Assignment Calculator is a time management tool that breaks down research assignments into a series of manageable steps, while providing expert tips for success. Enter the assignment start date and due date to get planning!
Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL)
The Excelsior College Online Writing Lab (OWL) is a free public writing resource covering all aspects of undergraduate writing from complex research projects to basic grammar. Watch a multimedia instructional video, print out writing tips from the Professor’s Desk, and discover strategies for composing a diverse range of essays.University of Richmond Writer’s Web
This website is a comprehensive resource for writing students from the University of Richmond. It covers the writing process from first drafts through using sources.