1. I need to start my research or pick a topic
1.1. I need help picking a topic
1.1.1. Choosing a topic can be difficult! There are a few things to consider when coming up with a topic for your research assignment: 1. Meets the assignment requirements. Make sure to consider the assignment when coming up with your topic; there may be guidelines in place you must follow. 2. Choose something interesting to you! You’re the one who has to complete the research and write the paper, you may as well do it on a topic you’re interested in learning more about! 3. Do some background research.Do you have a few ideas, but nothing concrete? Try doing some sample searches to see what types of sources are available. It might help you 4. Use a research question (link to research question answer) to focus your topic If you still need ideas for a topic, try browsing a pro/con database or newspaper websites. They often have articles on current events that you may not even realize you can turn into a topic! While CCCOnline does not subscribe to any pro/con databases, your home college library or public library may. Some good news sites to browse: http://www.usatoday.com/ , http://www.reuters.com/ , http://www.pbs.org/ , http://www.bbc.com/
1.2. I have a few ideas for topics, but I need help narrowing it down
1.2.1. I have a topic, but I need a research question
1.2.1.1. While it might seem like an extra step, a research question is essential to developing a clear, focused research paper. What is a research question? A research question is a debatable, concise question that is used to focus your research. Why would I want a research question? A research question is a helpful tool that ensures that you have something to focus your research on. For example, a research paper about social media could take many directions and could possibly go on forever! A research paper that asks the question: “What effect does Instagram and Snapchat have on the self-esteem of high school students?” will be much more concise, will be easier to research because you know what you’re looking for, and easier to write because you won’t need to weed through sources that do not fit the parameters of your paper! How do I create a research question? The best research questions will be interesting to you—after all, you’re the one doing the research and writing the paper! Here are some steps to creating a research question: 1. Choose a topic that is interesting to you 2. Do some research! Start by looking at what’s available on your topic. Does anything stand out? It will help you see what’s already been written about, what research is available and how easy or hard it will be to find sources. 3. Who is your audience? Most of the papers you write while attending CCCOnline will be academic, but you never know! Be sure to check your assignment or speak to your instructor, if you’re not sure! 4. Evaluate your question. Is your question too narrow, and it’s hard to find sources? How about too broad with way too many sources to look at? Double check that a simple yes or no doesn’t answer your question! (Adapted from "How to Write a Research Question." The Writing Center at George Mason University. N.p., 9 Oct. 2009. Web. 11 July 2014. <http://writingcenter.gmu.edu/how-to-write-a-research-question/>.)
1.2.2. I have a topic, but I don't know where to start researching
1.2.2.1. The thought of research can be overwhelming, but there are some steps you can take to ensure you make it through! 1. Read your assignment for source guidelines. Some instructors will include the number of source or the types of sources you’re able to use. This will give you a good idea what source types you can stop worrying about! If you have any concerns about using a particular type of source, talk to your instructor. 2. Start with the multidisciplinary academic databases. CCCOnline subscribes to many databases that are subject-specific, but also to Academic Search Premier. Academic Search Premier is a database that covers many academic disciplines and will give you journal articles that touch many subjects. It’s a great to use as a starting point to get a general idea of what resources are available! 3. Think about the different subjects that may touch your topic. A topic such as prevalence of drugs in suburbia may have research that focuses on the economic, social policy, law, criminal justice, sociology fields. Be sure to check those subject-specific databases, in addition to the general databases! 4. Need some data or stats? Do you need specific numbers for your research assignment? For example, are you looking for the number of endangered species found in the Amazon? Work on gathering that data from reputable sources such as http://www.usa.gov/Topics/Reference-Shelf/Data.shtml or encyclopedias. You may realize that gathering the numbers makes writing your analysis a bit easier!
1.3. I'm not sure I understand what my assignment is asking me to do
1.3.1. Getting a research assignment can be a bit scary, especially if you have not written very many research papers! Use the assignment to help decipher what you need to do. 1. Due Dates Sometimes an instructor will give you multiple due dates to spread the assignment over a longer term and to help manage the workload. Other times, a single due date will be given. Be sure to look at these deadlines and plan your work accordingly! 2. Length of research paper Most assignments will specify how many pages or words a research paper must be. Some will give you a 3. Number and type of sources Sometimes an assignment will list out the requirements for the sources, including the minimum or maximum number of sources used, or the required types of sources that are allowed. For example, an assignment may say to include 5-7 journal articles, 1 book, and no websites. 4. Style and Format Information about the style requirements of an assignment, such as MLA or APA, or other information such as font type or size is usually included. 5. Topic Requirements You may find guidance about your topic selection in your assignment, such as specifics subjects you should focus on or avoid. For example, you may learn you need to focus on Germany during World War 2, but you can decide how you want to do that. Or, you may find that you’re not allowed to write about the death penalty.
2. I've started my research, but I'm stuck
2.1. I need help coming up with search terms or keywords
2.1.1. First, start with your topic or research question, and then look for alternative ways to say the words or ideas. Try using a thesaurus! Example: What are the effects of weightlifting on young adults? Weightlifting, powerlifting, strength training, weight training, exercise Young adults, teens, males, females, teenagers, adolescence Side effects, results, consequences If you’re still getting results that are not right, try also thinking of the terms you DON’T want, then exclude them in the search by using “NOT.” Using the example above, you may realize that you’re really not interested in youth, adults, or cardio. You may try a combo of the keywords above and exclude some others! “”Weightlifting AND young adults AND teenagers AND teens AND side effects” NOT cardio”
2.2. I don't know which database to use
2.2.1. We have many different databases to use! If your just getting started researching, a great place to getting started is Academic Search Premier (link). It’s a multidisciplinary database, which means it has articles from journals that span nearly every subject! If you’ve already gotten started, and are not finding what you need, look in some of the more subject specific databases. You may also have luck visiting your home college’s library! They may have different databases and resources available and can also use interlibrary loan to get you articles and books from colleges and universities throughout Colorado.
2.3. I didn't find anything useful
2.3.1. Not finding the resources you’re expecting can be very frustrating. Did you try Academic Search Premier (link)? It’s a multidisciplinary database, which means it has articles from journals that span nearly every subject! Sometimes, you’ll find the perfect resource where you didn’t expect it. For example, a topic on drug use in suburbia can touch many different subjects, like economics, criminal justice, sociology, psychology. If you’ve already gotten started, and are not finding what you need, look in some of the more subject-specific databases. You may also have luck visiting your home college’s library! They may have different databases and resources available and can also use interlibrary loan to get you articles and books from colleges and universities throughout Colorado.
2.4. I was told not to use websites
2.4.1. That’s okay! We have access to some great databases here (link to ebsco) that feature many scholarly and peer reviewed sources. Additionally, check out your home college library or public library. While the sources you’ll find may come from the internet, they’re not websites!
2.5. The CCCOnline Library doesn’t have what I need
2.5.1. We are sorry that we don’t have the resources you were hoping to use. We suggest trying your home college or local public library. There, you will find different resources than we can offer, but you will also have access to ILL (interlibrary loan) and can borrow resources from other colleges throughout the state.
3. I'm looking for a specific item
3.1. I am looking for a newspaper or newspaper article
3.1.1. We have a great database, called Newspaper Source, which features the cover-to-cover text for more than 40 national newspapers and nearly 400 regional newspapers. You may also try your home college library. They often have access to resources that CCCOnline does not and they may have a different newspaper database available to you!
3.2. I am looking for a magazine or magazine article
3.2.1. CCCOnline has access to many scholarly journals, but unfortunately, not very many magazines for popular reading. You may try your home college library. They often have access to resources that CCCOnline does not and they may have a different magazine database available to you!
3.3. I am looking for a book or ebook
3.3.1. The CCCOnline Library does not have any physical or ebooks in its collection. Please contact or visit your home college or local public library to locate ebooks or books
3.4. I am looking for a journal or journal article
3.4.1. We have many different databases to use to locate journal articles! If your just getting started researching, a great place to getting started is Academic Search Premier (link). It’s a multidisciplinary database, which means it has articles from journals that span nearly every subject! If you’ve already gotten started, and are not finding what you need, look in some of the more subject specific databases. You may also have luck visiting your home college’s library! They may have different databases and resources available and can also use interlibrary loan to get you articles and books from colleges and universities throughout Colorado
4. I have a question about journal articles, scholarly articles or peer-reviewed articles
4.1. I don’t know what makes an article scholarly or peer-reviewed.
4.1.1. We’ve created a chart for you to outline the typically criteria for each of the most common types of journal articles you’ll run into. Unfortunately, some journals may not meet all of the criteria and will seem to fit it multiple categories. If that happens, it’s best to check with your instructor or librarian to determine what type of article it is!
4.2. I need more journal articles, scholarly articles or peer-reviewed articles than CCCOnline has
4.2.1. The CCCOnline Library has access to multidisciplinary and subject-specific databases, but we know you may need more than we have access to right now. Your best place to find additional resources will be your home college library. They often have access to resources that CCCOnline does not and they may have different databases available to you!
5. I have a question about books or ebooks
5.1. I am looking for a book or ebook to use for my assignment
5.1.1. The CCCOnline Library does not have any physical or ebooks in its collection. Please contact or visit your home college or local public library to locate ebooks or books.
5.2. I am looking for a book to read for pleasure
5.2.1. We’re so happy you’re looking for a good book and we’re happy to make some recommendations if you need them! But, the CCCOnline Library does not have any physical or ebooks in its collection. Please contact or visit your home college or local public library to locate ebooks or books.
5.3. I am looking for a textbook for my class
5.3.1. If you find you need a textbook or supplies for your class, visit your home college’s bookstore website (http://www.ccconline.org/bookstore/) to locate information regarding the textbooks and supplies you'll need for your courses
6. I need to create citations or to format my paper
6.1. I am supposed to use APA
6.1.1. APA, or American Psychological Association, is commonly used within the social sciences. The Purdue University Online Writing Lab, or OWL, has an excellent APA guide put together, complete with examples on how to cite common sources like books and articles, and not so common sources like YouTube videos. It also includes information for formatting your paper. Find the APA guide on OWL here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/section/2/10/
6.2. I am supposed to use MLA
6.2.1. MLA, or Modern Language Association, is commonly used within the liberal arts and humanities. The Purdue University Online Writing Lab, or OWL, has an excellent MLA guide put together, complete with examples on how to cite common sources like books and articles, and not so common sources like YouTube videos. It also includes information for formatting your paper. Find the MLA guide on OWL here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/01/
6.3. I am supposed to use Chicago Manual of Style/Turabian
6.3.1. CMS stands for Chicago Manual of Style, but can also be referred to as Chicago/Turabian. The Turabian part refers to Kate Turabian, who authored Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations which is a slight modification of the CMS. The Purdue University Online Writing Lab, or OWL, has an excellent CMS guide put together, complete with examples on how to cite common sources like books and articles, and not so common sources like YouTube videos. It also includes information for formatting your paper. Find the CMS guide on OWL here: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/717/01/
6.4. I don't know which style I need to use
6.4.1. The best places to determine what style you need to use are your assignment, syllabus, or going straight to your instructor. Here is a chart, created by the Purdue OWL, which highlights the differences between the three major citation styles. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/media/pdf/20110928111055_949.pdf
7. I need help using my sources in my assignment
7.1. I have my sources, but am not sure how to use them in my assignment
7.1.1. I want to paraphrase
7.1.1.1. Paraphrasing is often used in academic writing. It involves taking the words and ideas from the source and rewriting them into your own words. https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/976/02/
7.1.2. I think this is common knowledge; do I need to cite it?
7.1.2.1. Information that is considered common knowledge does not need to be cited, but it can be difficult to decide what common knowledge is! It is important to keep in mind the following: Common knowledge refers to information that it known by nearly everyone and is information that is listed in numerous places and can be found easily. Often, it can be found in general reference materials. Examples of common knowledge information could be: • Denver is the capital of Colorado • Peaceful assembly is covered under the 1st Amendment • The Star-Spangled Banner is the national anthem But, if you’re ever in doubt if something is considered common knowledge or if a citation is needed, include the citation!
7.1.3. I want to use direct quotes
7.1.3.1. The format for direct quotations will differ depending on which style you’re using. Please check out the following websites which outline how to use quotations in the three major styles. Formatting Quotes: MLA https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/03/ APA https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/02/ CMS: http://www.sass.uottawa.ca/writing/kit/reference-cm.pdf
7.1.4. I have to create a works cited or reference page
7.1.4.1. If you’re looking for information about writing a works cited page, you’re writing in the MLA style. Check out this guide from the Purdue OWL: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/747/05/ If you’re looking to write a reference page, you’re writing in the APA style. This guide, created by Purdue OWL, will be the most helpful for you: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/05/
7.2. I can’t find the sources I need!
7.2.1. I am looking for a journal or journal article
7.2.1.1. I need scholarly or peer-reviewed journals, but I don’t know what that means
7.2.1.1.1. We’ve created a chart for you to outline the typically criteria for each of the most common types of journal articles you’ll run into. Unfortunately, some journals may not meet all of the criteria and will seem to fit it multiple categories. If that happens, it’s best to check with your instructor or librarian to determine what type of article it is!
7.2.1.2. I need more journal articles, scholarly articles or peer-reviewed articles than CCCOnline has
7.2.1.2.1. The CCCOnline Library has access to multidisciplinary and subject-specific databases, but we know you may need more than we have access to right now. Your best place to find additional resources will be your home college library. They often have access to resources that CCCOnline does not and they may have different databases available to you!
7.2.1.3. I just need journal articles
7.2.1.3.1. We have many different databases to use to locate journal articles! If your just getting started researching, a great place to getting started is Academic Search Premier (link). It’s a multidisciplinary database, which means it has articles from journals that span nearly every subject! If you’ve already gotten started, and are not finding what you need, look in some of the more subject specific databases. You may also have luck visiting your home college’s library! They may have different databases and resources available and can also use interlibrary loan to get you articles and books from colleges and universities throughout Colorado.
7.2.2. I am looking for a newspaper or newspaper article
7.2.2.1. We have a great database, called Newspaper Source, which features the cover-to-cover text for more than 40 national newspapers and nearly 400 regional newspapers. You may also try your home college library. They often have access to resources that CCCOnline does not and they may have a different newspaper database available to you!
7.2.3. I don't know which database to use
7.2.3.1. We have many different databases to use! If your just getting started researching, a great place to getting started is Academic Search Premier (link). It’s a multidisciplinary database, which means it has articles from journals that span nearly every subject! If you’ve already gotten started, and are not finding what you need, look in some of the more subject specific databases. You may also have luck visiting your home college’s library! They may have different databases and resources available and can also use interlibrary loan to get you articles and books from colleges and universities throughout Colorado.
7.2.4. I didn't find anything useful
7.2.4.1. Not finding the resources you’re expecting can be very frustrating. Did you try Academic Search Premier (link)? It’s a multidisciplinary database, which means it has articles from journals that span nearly every subject! Sometimes, you’ll find the perfect resource where you didn’t expect it. For example, a topic on drug use in suburbia can touch many different subjects, like economics, criminal justice, sociology, psychology. If you’ve already gotten started, and are not finding what you need, look in some of the more subject-specific databases. You may also have luck visiting your home college’s library! They may have different databases and resources available and can also use interlibrary loan to get you articles and books from colleges and universities throughout Colorado.
7.2.5. I am looking for a book or ebook to use for my assignment
7.2.5.1. The CCCOnline Library does not have any physical or ebooks in its collection. Please contact or visit your home college or local public library to locate ebooks or books.