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Counseling 105: Strategies for College Success

Use library resources to locate and evaluate information.

Developing a Topic

select a topic

Developing a good research question can sometimes be the most difficult part of the research process. If you are struggling, consider the following ways:

  • Ask your instructor for help.
  • Ask a reference librarian for help.
  • Use databases (listed on this page) to help you.

Narrowing a topic: Use subject-specific dictionaries or encyclopedias (Reference books) for key terms/ideas related to your subject.

Finding Topics (Step 1)

Several of the library databases are helpful for locating topics for research papers:

Not sure what a database is or how to search one? Use the menu on the left to learn more!

Video: Picking Your Topic IS Research!

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