From the Reference Desk: Writing a Research Paper: Picking a Topic



Starting a research paper can appear to be a daunting task to many students, especially when you don’t know what to write about! Here are two databases that may help you pick topics that will interest you and, in turn, help you earn the grade you desire -- CQ Researcher and Credo Reference both offer considerable support to students in search of an excellent research topic.
  
“Credo promotes knowledge building, problem solving and critical thinking to give people the information skills necessary for success throughout their academic, professional and personal lives.” 

Credo Reference, found by under the  “C” tab in Databases A-Z, is not only an excellent database for basic informative searches but also for picking a research topic. Credo’s "Mind Map" and "Find Topic" Pages tabs are great tools to use when finding a topic is becoming a chore and a headache. By using the "Mind Map" tab students are able to connect concepts by simply entering an idea, or interesting subject matter into the search bar. The "Mind Map" allows for connections to be made between ideas that can then be zoomed in or out, to either broaden or narrow a result finding.  The "Find Topic Pages" tab allows students to search various categories and then displays topic pages that are affiliated to the chosen category. 

CQ Researcher is “noted for its in-depth, unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology and the economy.”

CQ Researcher, found again under the “C” tab in Databases A-Z, utilizes a "Hot Topics" and "Most Viewed" margin to aid in the selection of a research topic. Popular subjects include climate change, health care and immigration. Students can also take advantage of the "Browse Topics" tab or the "Featured Report of the Day." Perhaps what makes CQ Researcher most ideal for a frustrated, possibly hurried student are its simple and well organized reports, an available chronology, and the related reports given on the right of the screen.

While these two databases are can be very helpful in finding a topic for your upcoming essay, you have access to several more databases through the library website like TOPICsearch, Points of View Reference Center, Research Starters: Education and Research Starters: Sociology.  You can also access the Jarrett Library Research Guide on Basic Library Research and Selecting a Topic. 

- by Kayla Milligan, Library Associate for Reference

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Black History Month Display: The Buffalo Soldiers

February is Black History Month and Jarrett Library has put up its annual display. This year the theme deals with the "Buffalo Soldiers." The "Buffalo Soldiers" were one of the first six all African American Army regiments created by Congress in 1866. Four of the regiments were infantry and two were cavalry. Cheyenne warriors, out of respect for the fighting abilities, gave the 10th Cavalry the nickname "Buffalo Soldiers" in 1867. Eventually all African American soldiers were referred to as "Buffalo Soldiers." The "Buffalo Soldiers" were sent to the outposts that were the furthest from civilization in areas where the weather and terrain were quite harsh. Mexican revolutionaries, outlaws, comancheros, cattle rustlers, and hostile Native Americans were just a few of the groups they were sent to subdue and/or fight. They also carried out many activities that allowed the west to be settled - mapping of the west, stringing telegraph wi
Read more

New Test Prep eLibrary

The Library is excited to announce the addition of Mometrix eLibrary for some hard-to-find test prep books. Accounting For students who are preparing for the CPA you now have access to CPA Exam Secrets .  The guide covers the content on the test and also provides "insight into typical test taking mistakes and how to overcome them." Athletic Training You now have a way to better prepare for the Board of Certification Candidate Examination through Secrets of the NATA-BOC Exam .  As with the CPA book it covers content and also covers typical mistakes.  Content includes injury/illness prevention and wellness protection, clinical evaluation and diagnosis, immediate and emergency care, treatment and rehabilitation, organizational and professional health and well-being, musculature/innvervation review of the arm and back, myotome and dermatome screening reference, guidelines for professional rescuers, guidelines for standard precautions, and more bonus material. Counseli
Read more

Welcome Back!

Image
Welcome back for the Spring 2018 semester.  Because of the way the school calendar is laid out at the beginning we wanted to clarify our hours through the first week of classes.  As most of you know classes will not actually begin until January 16th which is a Tuesday.  This is due to the Martin Luther King Holiday on the 15th.  Because of it falling outside of the regular semester we will not be open later on that day.  The first day of library hours will be the 16th. As usual, the Library will only be open until 9 PM that first week of classes.  So the hours for the 16th-18th will be 7:30 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.  As per our policy the doors will be locked 10 minutes before closing time, so if you need to come by make sure you are in the library by 8:50 p.m.  The hours on the 19th will be 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.  Regular hours will resume on Saturday, January 20th. As a reminder, our regular hours are: Sunday:  4:00 PM - Midnight Monday-Thursday:  7:30 AM - Midnight Friday:  7:30 A
Read more