Research Guides: Texas Academy of Biomedical Sciences (TR) Research Overview: Getting Started

Understanding Your Assignment

What should I look for in my assignment?

Keywords or verbs. Words like summarize, compare, analyze, or argue direct you to think about your topic in a certain way.
Technical details which indicate format rules or guidelines like font, length, spacing, and citation style.
Project logistics will tell you about the final product, whether it is supposed to be a speech, written paper, or other presentation.
Number and type of sources such as peer-reviewed, scholarly, primary or secondary.
Due dates for drafts and final paper/presentation. Plan ahead for time in the library and writing center.

Where do I find topic ideas?

Discuss your topic ideas with your class instructor or a reference librarian. It may be wise to set up an appointment so you can get extra help.
Explore current topics using one of the resources listed below.

CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
was founded in 1923 as Editorial Research Reports and provides comprehensive reporting and analysis on issues in the news. Each week, CQ reporters add an in-depth, non-biased article on political and social issues, with regular reports on topics in health, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the U.S. economy.
TCCD
Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference provides full-text online versions of over 3,500 published reference works from more than 100 publishers in a variety of major subjects, including general and subject dictionaries as well as encyclopedias.
TexShare