Research Basics

Not sure where to start on your research assignment? The library has a variety of online and in-person services to support your research:

Video: Get Help from the Library
Library Help: ask for help with borrowing, troubleshooting your research, and more
Visit the Library Services Desk for in-person research help
Get peer writing support, or browse our writing and citation guides.
Email your questions or book a one-on-one appointment with your Subject Librarian.

The Research Process

The topics listed below are important parts of the research process. Explore the topics to find helpful resources to support your work!

Getting Started on Your Research Topic

Understanding your assignment and having a clear topic or question in mind can guide your research process and get you to the resources you need.

Guide: Understand Your Assignment (University of Waterloo)
Guide: Choosing a Research Topic (U of A Augustana Library)
Guide: Using Wikipedia for Your Assignments (University of Toronto)

Find Resources

Finding resources for your assignment topic requires thinking about useful search terms and effective strategies for searching.

Video: Developing Keywords for your Research Question or Topic (MacEwan Library)
Guide: Formulating your search strategy using Boolean Operators (USask Library)

Learn more

Locate specific types of resources
Visit the Subject Guide for your course or program
Get help from the Library!

Evaluate and Read

How to know if the sources you find are credible and suitable for your assignment?

Infographic: Evaluating Sources
How to find and identify Peer Reviewed Articles

Organize, Write, and Cite

Now that you’ve got your resources, you’re ready to craft an answer to your research question. To do this, you will need to plan out the structure of your research paper, write a draft of the paper, and cite your resources clearly and correctly. The Writing Centre offers consultations with writing tutors as well as writing guides for help with writing, citation, and studying.