Library 101 - Part 2: Research Methods and Strategies

At the start of any research project, it is important to set yourself up for success by building a good foundation of understanding on your topic. Always remember that good research takes time and that it is best to get started early!

As a researcher, it is important that you develop the skills needed to access information effectively and efficiently. Use this section of the guide to learn research strategies that will help you in this program and beyond as you embark on your professional career. 

In order to set yourself up for success, it is important to follow good research practices during your research. Follow these steps and set up consultations with the Writing Center and the Library to get help along the way!

1. Brainstorm a Topic:
   • Review the assignment carefully to stay on target.
     • Take note of important elements such as the due date, the format, the length, the type of materials you are expected to use, and any other specific requirements.
   • Search reference resources, read articles, etc. to find inspiration.
     • Look for common subjects, themes, and authors as you review documents. Think of how you would approach the same topics or what questions you have that were not covered by an article and start looking for answers.
   • Check out the Writing Center's workshop on brainstorming techniques: Brainstorming and Essay Planning
      
2. Formulate a Research Question:
   • What interests you about the topic and what do you want to research in detail?
   • Will your paper be argumentative or analytical?
   • Who is your audience?
   • Focus your topic into a brief, targeted research question.
     • Use limiters such as timeframe, population group, geographical area, discipline, etc. to narrow your topic to something that you can cover within the parameters of your assignment.
       • Too Broad: How will artificial intelligence (AI) change medicine?
       • Too Narrow: What electronic health records management software is used at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital?
       • Just right: How can artificial intelligence (AI) be used to enhance the organization and interpretation of electronic health records for the tracking of disease outbreaks?
          
3. Gather Supporting Resources:
   • Use the library catalog and online databases to locate resources to support your project:
     • Scholarly / Peer-reviewed Resources: Research papers that are written by experts in the subject, contain detailed references, are reviewed by peer scholars, and are published in a reputable journal.  
     • Primary sources: Original documents such as historical records, works of art and literature, statistics and data, and autobiographies.  
     • Popular resources: magazines, books, websites, etc. that are intended for a popular, non-scholarly audience and fall below the standards listed above for scholarly / peer-reviewed content.
        
4. Draft and Revise:
   • Write a thesis statement to focus your writing and support it with documentation.
   • Make an outline to give yourself a roadmap for your assignment.
   • Organize your thoughts into a flowing argument that is logical and persuasive to the reader.
   • Gather more supporting resources as needed.
   • Adjust your research question and thesis as you explore your topic. You may find that your original topic changes over time as you learn more about the subject.
   • Make an appointment with the Writing Center or use their online resources.
     • NSU Writing Center - Appointments
     • NSU Writing Center - Resources
       • NSU Writing Center's Workshop on Outlining Methods
          
5. Review and Submit:
   • Check your assignment for specific details such as font size, spacing, citation formatting, and more.
   • Proofread your paper!
   • Submit your assignment in the correct format before the deadline. Don't wait until the last minute!

Please contact us if you have any questions about the library, research guides, or library instruction!

Phone: 757 823-2418
Email: library@nsu.edu
SMS: 757 230-2015