This activity is designed to help you get started on a research assignment by selecting a topic that interests you. In this activity, you will:
Effective research requires information from several types of sources. Below is an overview of information types, and the role they play in your research.
|
Kind of Source |
Definition |
How to Use Them |
Where to Find |
|
Background |
Undisputed information |
For general factual information to introduce a setting, situation, or problem |
Biographies, almanacs, encyclopedias, data repositories, or other reference sources |
|
Exhibits or Evidence |
Object of analysis |
To interpret and analyze, the same way a piece of art may be exhibited in a museum, or as evidence presented in a court case |
Primary sources, including newspapers, personal papers, works of literature or art |
|
Argument |
Context of analysis |
To strengthen your interpretation and analysis by engaging other research that you agree/disagree with |
Secondary sources, such as commentaries and criticisms, literature reviews, or research articles |
|
Method or Theory |
Underlying assumptions |
To explain the “lens” you are using to examine exhibits/evidence and frame your argument |
Secondary sources, such as scholarly books or articles |
Background information provides us with answers to the critical questions: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, and WHERE. (You'll be answering the WHY by writing your research paper). Take note of key names, places, events, landmarks, laws, and other details. You'll use these to search for relevant books, articles, news stories, and government reports.
Now that you have identified the concepts that make up your research topic, and thought about the potential relationships between those concepts, you can start searching for evidence to analyze. Pick a government or independent agency and locate a relevant report, press release, or news article.
You will also need secondary sources to support your interpretation and analysis. Using the search terms you've identified, locate a book or article that addresses your research question.