Skip to Main Content

GOVT 2306 SO

This guide has been created to assist you in your research for GOVT 2306.

Start Here

Starting Your Research

arrow pointing towards text

Start with your assignment

Read over your assignment and make sure you understand what it is you need to do. See if you can answer the following questions:

  • What is the assignment? Are you creating a presentation? Are you writing an essay? If so, what type of essay (argumentative, descriptive, cause-effect, etc.)?  
  • Did your instructor provide a topic or do you have to come up with one yourself? 
  • What types of sources (journal articles, books, etc.) can you use and how many sources do you need? 
  • What style do you need to use to cite your sources (APA, MLA, etc.)?

Where to get ideas

lightbulb

If you are picking your own topic, you might get ideas from:

  • Class materials or discussions
  • Current events or news
  • Topics you are interested in

Check your assignment to see if there are any guidelines related to what your topic can be. Check with your instructor if you have questions about whether a certain topic is acceptable for an assignment. 

Choosing a Topic (Purdue Online Writing Lab)

You might need to learn a little bit more about your topic before you really start researching it.

Gathering some background information can help you: 

  • Become more familiar with your topic
  • Identify keywords you can use for searching
  • Think of ways you can refine and focus your topic

*Database links open in a new tab.

What are the main ideas (or keywords) of your topic?  If you have a research question, identify the main ideas (or keywords) only.  Keep your search to a few keywords. 

Example: 

Democracy AND the Constitution

FDR AND World War II

Boston Tea Party

John F. Kennedy

Tips from Indiana University Libraries.

Types of Sources

How do I know if a resource is scholarly (or academic)?

  • Scholarly sources are often written by professors, researchers, and experts in the field with advanced degrees.
  • They are written for other scholars, professionals, and students.
  • Scholarly resources also use technical language of the field, almost always have a list of references, and often provide research findings and statistics.

In contrast, popular sources:

  • are for the general population
  • avoid technical terminology and use easy-to-understand language
  • usually do not have bibliographies or references
  • often written by staff writers with little specialized knowledge
  • are written for entertainment and general knowledge

Source: Cornell University