At SVC there are many options where you can find relevant, credible sources for your papers.
This guide will take you through the steps of how to find topics, gather sources, evaluate sources, cite your work, and ultimately, provide a well-researched, well-written project or paper!
Research Pathway
This list describes the general pathway to writing a research paper. Keep in mind...this is not a linear process but a messy and meandering path to a satisfying result!
Select aTopic> Begin with an idea and ask some questions about it
FindBackgroundInformation>Poke around a little...gain some understanding of your topic
Refine Your Topic> Narrow or broaden your topic, think about the themes, people, or time frames you are interested in. Maybe even create a research question or a thesis statement!
Create Keywords or Search terms> Decide your first search terms or keywords (these may change later on!)
Think about where to look > Think about the best place to start your search, whether it's using the library catalog, databases, Internet, and other resources to find articles, books, & high-quality materials for your paper
Evaluate Information> Is what you found really the best source for your requirements?
Adjust, Refine, Review, Reflect & Look again!> Sometimes a little more searching is necessary
Write & Cite> Begin the writing process, making sure to cite your sources as you go
Review, Reflect, Refine, Write & Cite some more! > Writing and research and evaluating often happen at the same time
