Do I need to focus on primary sources rather than secondary? Primary sources are excellent but lack an
historical perspective. Secondary
sources may need to be looked at more critically.
Can I use books or encyclopedias? Do I need to find more basic information
about the topic before I search further?
Is the topic considered a current event and is it still
being written about? Some databases and
books may be outdated.
Am I still developing my topic and will it change as I find
more information on it?
Do I need scholarly/peer reviewed journal articles? This would effect which databases and sources
are used.
Is this a controversial topic? Will multiple sources present the topic from
different viewpoints?
Is bias a major issue with the topic? Avoiding bias and representing all points of
view are the hallmarks of good writing.
Will books make up the bulk of my research or will it be
articles? Does the library own these
books or will I need to use interlibrary loan?
Do I have an argument to support or make a case for? Can I still use articles that don’t
necessarily support my case?
Can I find enough on my topic or am I searching for
information the best way? Maybe I need
to talk to a reference librarian?
Have I asked a reference librarian for help researching the
topic? – is there something that could help me even more than what I have so
far?
Have I looked at the works cited/references of the material
I have and is it helpful? Does the
Trible library have any of the referenced material? Did I use Journal Finder?
Will I have to draw conclusions from the information I am
gathering? Should I ignore certain
sources I am finding?
Do I need to visit the Writing Center for that extra bit of help?
Do I know which citation style I will be using? This will effect how I write down citations.
How am I managing and recording the sources I have
gathered? Is there a method that works
best for me?