Research Support: Welcome

Research Strategies: Getting Started

1. Understand the Assignment

• THINK how the assignment relates to what you are learning
• ENSURE you understand all assignment requirements
• UNDERLINE useful keywords in your assignment
• MAKE a plan and give yourself enough time to complete the assignment
• KNOW your instructors limits on any use of Artificial Intelligence tools

2. Refine Your Topic

• CHOOSE your topic
• SEARCH for background information on Google, YouTube, or LinkedIn Learning
• NARROW your topic - make it more specific
• NEED help getting started? Or at any point in your research journey? Book with the Librarian

            Analyze Topic

3. Search For Sources

• SELECT some keywords related to your topic to start your search for sources
• APPLY search symbols and/or Boolean operators to narrow your results
• CHANGE your search string as necessary - consider trying other keywords
• FIND more sources than required

4. Choose Your Sources

• CONFIRM that sources meet assignment requirements
• EVALUATE sources for quality using the CRAAPO test
• THE LEARNING COMMONS has staff to help you. Come see us, send an email for support, or call 250-489-8292 x. 3292
• ASKAWAY is another service that can offer live research assistance via chat

            Format and Cite

5. Use Your Sources

• CREATE an outline
• FILL out a rough draft
• USE your sources to support your thesis
• REVISE your work
• BUILD a works cited/reference page

6. Re-Evaluate

• PROOFREAD your paper
• USE the sample paper checklist
• NEED help reviewing? Book with the Writing Tutor or visit the tutor during tutoring hours
• WANT someone to review your paper? Submit your paper to WriteAway 
• SUBMIT your work

7. Reflect

• WHAT went well?
• WHAT would you do differently next time?
• USE the Research Paper Reflection resource to reflect on your research journey