Starting Your Research
Use The Craft of Research to help you conceptualize and develop your research project.
- Chapter 3: From Topics to Questions will guide you through the process of asking questions until you arrive at the burning question that you want to answer.
- Chapter 4: From Questions to a Problem will help you shape your questions into a hypothesis that will give your research project direction.
- Chapter 5: From Problems to Sources will guide you through the process fo finding reliable and relevant information. And don't forget to ask a librarian for help.
Video Tutorials for Finding Resources at KU Libraries
- Video tutorialsTeach yourself about conducting research using KU Libraries’ databases and resources with these video tutorials.
Citing Your Sources
MLA Handbook by Call Number: LB2369 .M52 2021ISBN: 9781603293518Publication Date: 2021-04-06Located in Watson Library Reference
Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association by Call Number: BF76.7 .P83 2020ISBN: 9781433832161Publication Date: 2019-10-01Located in Watson Library Reference- APA Style Guide to Electronic Reference, 7th editionCall Number: BF76.7 .P83 2020ISBN: 9781433832161Publication Date: 2020Located in Watson Library Reference (In Library Use Only)
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, Ninth Edition by Call Number: LB2369 .T8 2018ISBN: 9780226494425Publication Date: 2018-04-16Located in Watson Library Reference
The Chicago Manual of Style, 17th Edition by Call Number: Z253 .U69 2017ISBN: 9780226287058Publication Date: 2017-09-05
Evaluating Sources
How to search for sources effectively?
Follow the Bibliographic Trail: One proven method for gathering reliable information efficiently is to follow the citations or references from one source to another. The author's bibliography can lead you to other sources on the topic.
Identify Keywords: Before searching the Library Catalog or other databases, take a few minutes to write down all the words that describe your topic on the worksheet below. Use these words and phrases in keyword or Boolean searches.
Boolean Searching: Use Boolean operators (AND, OR, NOT) to connect keywords for phrases in your searches: Example: (solar OR wind) AND energy AND russia NOT Moscow.
Manage your sources and citations
Try one of these bibliographic management tools. They can help you keep track of sources, generate bibliographies, store documents, and save you time in the long run.