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SWK 816: Qualitative Research Methods

This guide includes asynchronous tools to support the Doctoral Students of SWK 816.90.

Brainstorming

As with any research project, the first step is generally to select your topic. Reference materials (encyclopedias, dictionaries, bibliographies, etc. . .) can be a great way to get started. These resources offer overviews of thousands of topics and will help you launch into your search for the scholarly resources that you will need to use to support your research. On this page you will find some selections to get you started.

When brainstorming, it can also be helpful to browse popular, non-scholarly resources in order to understand the status of general discourse on your topic and explore diverse viewpoints while developing thesis statement that can be supported with scholarly resources.

Getting Started

  • Read your assignment carefully! 
    • 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.
    • Break down the assignment into elements such as the following:
      • Who or what are you researching?
      • Are you arguing a specific point of view or analyzing a specific topic?
      • What do you know about the topic already?
  • Start with brainstorming and background research:
    • Explore the assigned topic using broad, informational resources such as encyclopedias and reference databases that will help you understand the context of the topic.
    • While you are exploring the topic, look for common terms, themes, and ideas.
    • Use the outline of the assignment and your background research to brainstorm topics and thesis statements.
  • Support your topic/thesis statement with high-quality resources that meet the requirements of your assignment:
    • Scholarly materials (also known as peer-reviewed materials) are often required for academic research projects. This is because these resources must be written by experts in the fields, published in reputable journals, reviewed by other experts, and must be based on quality work.
      • The Lyman Beecher Brooks Library has a curated collection of resources that provide you access to excellent, scholarly content. Visit the Library Catalog or the A-Z Database List to get started and consult a Research Guide or Ask a Librarian if you have any questions!

For more information on planning your research, visit the Writing Center, where professional and accomplished writing consultants will guide you through your writing project.