How to Research a Term Paper

1. What's your topic?

Understand your topic and make sure that it has a focus. Don't pick a topic that is too broad or you will have to digest too much information. Similarly, if you make your topic too narrow you will have a problem finding materials.

An example of a topic that is too broad would be "Global Warming". Similarly, "Global Warming and the Comox Valley" would be too narrow. However, "The environmental impact of Global Warming" would probably provide a good focus for your search.

2. What information do you need?

Do you need facts or opinions? Statistics or dates? Technical data? Historical or current materials? First find an overview of your topic in a general source such as an encyclopedia. This will often include a list of further books and articles to read.

3. Find research materials

Visit the library catalogue to find books on your topic. When you find a relevant resource, use the subject term links to find more resources on the same subject. Find journal articles using an appropriate database. If you're not sure which database is the best one to use, start with a general one, such as Academic Search Premier. Find additional resources, such as videos, statistics and governmental and historical documents etc. Ask the library staff for help if you are having difficulties finding materials.

4. Evaluate your material

Is it relevant to your topic? Has it been written to inform or persuade? Is it popular or scholarly material? What is the author's qualification? Is the date of the publication appropriate?

5. Record all your sources

Your sources must be cited in your footnotes and bibliography. For information on citing your sources, consult the following books in the reference sections of all NIC libraries. They should be considered the definitive sources for bibliographic styles:

• MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 7th edition (LB 2369 G53 2009)
• MLA Style Manual and Guide to Scholarly Publishing, 3rd edition
• Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition (BF 76.7 P83 2009)
• Concise Rules of APA Style 6th edition (BF 31 V263 2009)
• University of Chicago Press. Chicago manual of style. 15th ed., 2003. (Z 253 C5714 2003)

For quick guidelines on citing your sources in various styles, visit Citing Sources or use the links listed under "Essential Resources".