Use this guide to get help with APA citations and formatting: APA Citation Guide.
Use this guide to get help with MLA citations and formatting: MLA Citation Guide.
A successful research project or paper starts with a topic that is the right "size". If your topic is too broad or too big, you'll find too many sources. If your topic is too narrow or too small, you won't find enough sources. You may need to brainstorm different aspects you want to focus on in order to help you narrow your topic.
For example, researching 'body cameras in policing' will give you too many resources to create a focused paper or assignment. If you're unsure how to narrow your topic, use the "W" questions:
WHO - Is there a particular population you want to focus on?
WHERE - Is there a particular location you want to focus on? A particular city or region? Urban areas or rural?
WHEN - Is there a particular time frame you are interested in?
WHAT - What aspects are interesting to you? (Be curious!)
WHY - Why is this topic important?
For more help narrowing your topic, check out this tutorial on creating research questions:
The key to research is often in developing a list of keywords - or search terms. Use this tutorial to help you understand keywords before and during your research.
Having trouble using Library databases to find what you need? See below for tips to improve your searches and help to quickly find relevant resources.
Check out these guides for more help with research:
