First Year Students' Guide to UW Libraries

Generating an interesting and original research topic can be a challenge.

• Remember, the goal of your research paper is different from an essay where you can rely on your own opinions for a lot of the content, or expository writing where you are explaining a topic to someone or demonstrating that you have a firm grasp on the content.

Spend a few moments writing ideas on a blank sheet of paper.

• This simple process can get you focused on identifying what interests you. This part is important. It is horribly boring to research and write about a topic you don't care about. Follow the concept mapping / mind mapping process outlined in the box below titled "Identifying and Using Keywords." The process is the same.

Still not sure what to research?

• Try a few Google searches and look at websites and news. Another great place to look are reference books such as encyclopedias and dictionaries. Through the UW Libraries you have access to not only general information encyclopedia, but very specific ones about fields of study. Here are links to the main webpages for databases and reference ebooks that you can search or scan for topic ideas.

Before jumping into searching, it's important to have a game plan. One strategy is to make a concept map and brainstorm keywords to use when searching. You can do this with a piece of paper and a pencil, online using a concept map creator like bubbl.us, or using a mobile app like Notability or MindMeister.

Researchers write publications in formal, professional language that uses the specialized terminology of their disciplines.

• Psychologists, engineers, biologists, artists, and business people all use words and phrases specific to their field. To find relevant papers on your topic, use terms that researchers are likely to use in their publications rather than common or popular terms.
• For example, someone searching for articles about sports physiology is more likely to be successful in searching for "endorphins" rather than in looking for "runner's high." 

Subject encyclopedias can be good sources of background information and terminology in use within the disciple and subject area of interest.

• These books are considered scholarly sources but may not contain the most recent research.
• Look for subject headings and keywords listed in search results of articles similar to what you are interested in finding. 

Try a variety of terms and combinations, including synonyms or related terms to refine and focus your search.

• Searching for relevant and quality sources of information is an iterative process. That means you need to keep repeating your search. Use what you find in early searches to inform and refine future searches.
• Keep track of what words and phrases you have used to avoid wasting time.