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ENG 7 (Wong) - Between the World and Me (Ta-Nehisi Coates)

The Research Cycle

Research projects can feel overwhelming, but having a plan can make a big difference. Breaking the process into steps—even if you revisit them along the way—can help it feel more manageable.

On the right, you’ll find a basic list of steps for a typical research project or paper. Click through each step to learn more about what it involves.

Throughout this guide, the pages dive deeper into several of these steps using tools like the library catalog, databases, and NoodleTools.

The Research Cycle

Explore Your Topic

3. Explore & Refine Your Topic

Start with presearch! Tools like Credo Reference or OneSearch help you explore the basics and uncover key issues to refine your topic and research.

Find Sources

4. Find Sources

Search like a pro! Craft a search strategy using keywords and smart search tools. Combine terms like “AND” and “OR” to narrow or broaden your results. A great place to start is OneSearch, which searches across books, articles, and more. You can also explore general-use databases like Academic Search Ultimate or JSTOR for a wide range of scholarly resources.

Evaluate Your Sources

5. Search Effectively & Evaluate Always

Judge the goods! Not all sources are created equal! Use the SIFT method (Stop, Investigate the Source, Find other sources, and Trace the Information) to evaluate quality and keep your research organized.

Writing Center

6. Write

Tell Your Story (and Cite It, Too!). Outline your ideas and weave in evidence from your sources. Use citations to give credit and stay plagiarism-free. Free to LPC resources like NoodleTools and our Reading and Writing Center tutors can help!

1. Understand the Assignment

Get in the know! Read your assignment carefully, ask questions, and break it into manageable tasks. A solid plan = less stress!

2. Have a Topic

FInd your focus and choose a topic that excites you! Explore resources like Opposing Viewpoints or CQ Researcher for inspiration. Refine your idea with a research question.

Research Support Tools

The library has subscribed to the following tools that may help you with your research.  As an LPC student, you have access to the premium version of each of these for free.