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Skip to Main Content WashU Libraries Menu back to library.wustl.edu WU LibrariesResearch GuidesJohn M. Olin LibraryConducting ResearchThe Process Search this GuideSearch Conducting Research Tips from your Washington University librarians on locating, evaluating, and citing sources used in your research. The ProcessThe Research ProcessHandoutsStep 1: Exploring an ideaStep 2: Finding background info.Step 3: Gathering more info.Step 4: Locating current researchToggle DropdownGet it This link opens in a new windowStep 5: Evaluating your sourcesStep 6: Citing your sourcesFAQs This link opens in a new windowLibrary VocabularyResearch in the HumanitiesResearch in the Social SciencesResearch in the Sciences The Research Process Step 1: Exploring Your Research Idea and Constructing Your Search If you know you are interested in doing research in a broad subject area, try to think of ways you can make your subject more specific. One way is by stating your topic as a question. For example, if you are interested in writing about sleep disorders you might ask yourself the following question: Can sleep disorders affect academic success in college students? If you don't have enough information to express your topic idea as a specific question, do some background reading first. Additional details on exploring your research idea   Step 2:  Finding Background Information Consult general reference sources, e.g., an encyclopedia, before jumping into more specialized and specific searches. Encyclopedias provide information on key concepts, context, and vocabulary for many different fields. Subject-specific encyclopedias will provide additional information that may lead to ideas for additional search terms. More information on finding background information   Step 3:  Gathering More Information Use the search terms/keywords you brainstormed in Step 1: Exploring your Research Idea to search the Classic Catalog. Note where the item is located in the library and the circulation status. When you find a good book, scan the bibliography for additional sources. Look for book-length bibliographies, literature reviews, and annual reviews in your research area; this type of resource lists hundreds of books and articles in one subject area. To find these resources, use your keywords/search terms followed by the word "AND bibliographies" in the Classic Catalog. Additional details on using the catalog to find books and media   Step 4:  Locating Current Research Journal articles are a great resource for learning about cutting-edge research in your area. Indexes and databases allow you to search across many journal publishers at once to find citations, abstracts, and full-text to articles. Additional details on using databases   Step 5:  Evaluating Your Sources As you search and find citations and/or abstracts for specific books, articles, or websites, consider the following established criteria for evaluating the quality of books, journal articles, and websites. Additional details on evaluating your sources   Step 6:  Cite What You Find in Discipline-Appropriate Format When conducting research, it’s necessary to document sources you use; commonly, this is called citing your sources. Citing your sources is an important part of research and scholarship; it is important to give credit to the ideas of others. In addition, readers of your work may want to find and read some of the sources you used. Different academic disciplines follow different citation styles. Two of the more common citation styles are APA or MLA. Failing to cite properly is plagiarism. For further details on other aspects of plagiarism, consult WU’s Academic Integrity Policy. Additional details on citing what you find Handouts Research TipsResponsible and Efficient Literature Searching Next: Step 1: Exploring an idea >> Last Updated: Jun 10, 2024 2:58 PM URL: https://libguides.wustl.edu/research Print Page Login to LibApps Subjects: College Writing Program, Research Tags: conducting research For Students For Faculty For Staff Visitors & Alumni Ask Us Research Support Staff Directory Make a Gift University Libraries MSC 1061-141-B Washington University in St. Louis 1 Brookings Dr. St. Louis, MO 63130 Instagram Facebook