Steps in a Research Project
LIR10 Week 1
Defining a Topic
• Take time to select a good topic:
Brainstorm for ideas
• Pick a topic that is INTERESTING to you!
• Pick a topic that is APPROPRIATE
Academic level and focus
• Pick a topic that is DO-ABLE
Make sure you can locate and gain access to
resources and information on the topic (not
just Internet resources!).
LIR10 Week 1
1
Developing a Topic
•
Read general background information (encyclopedias,
reference books) to gain an understanding
•
Establish the scope of your research project topic
What aspect of the topic do you want to research?
•
Focus in on a manageable topic
Make a list of BROADER and NARROWER ideas
Alcoholism
> driving under the influence
BROADER IDEA: Addiction
NARROWER IDEAS:
driving under the influence
* DUI accidents * DUI legislation
LIR10 Week 1
Write your research topic as
a question or statement
Should drunk drivers be sent to prison?
“Research means that you don't know, but are willing to find out.”
Charles F. Kettering
LIR10 Week 1
2
Identify the main
concepts in your topic
Review the search statement or question you have
developed and identify the key concepts.
Should drunk drivers be sent to prison?
Should drunk drivers be sent to prison?
LIR10 Week 1
Find Synonyms to
Describe your Topic
Think of synonyms, phrases, plurals, abbreviations etc. for
your key concepts.
Drunk Driver
Prison
Drunk Driver Synonyms
Prison Synonyms
Intoxicated drivers
Jail
DWI, DUI
Criminal sentences
Alcohol use, Alcoholism
Convictions
Drunkenness
Incarcerated
Inebriated
LIR10 Week 1
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Check the LC Red books
for Correct Subjects
Look up the key words in the Library of Congress
Subject Heading books
Make a note of related, broader and narrower terms
Drinking and traffic accidents
Drunk driving California
Drunkenness (Criminal law) United States.
Alcoholism and crime
Drinking of alcoholic beverages
LIR10 Week 1
Rewrite the Topic as a
Focused Research Statement
•
It helps to write a statement that takes a position:
Prison is the only effective punishment for
habitual drunk drivers.
LIR10 Week 1
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