Communication Research Guide

This guide introduces:

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• The research process
• How to pick a topic
• Building a search plan
• Finding sources
• How to get help from a librarian

Start at the beginning and work through each page. When you've reached the bottom, select:

Beginning a research paper or a project can be overwhelming, but we're here to help. This research guide will guide you through the research process from start to finish. Your experience with the steps outlined here may differ in order and might even repeat as you complete research, papers, and projects.

Understanding the research process helps you set yourself up for success. Watch this video to learn more about the steps of a successful research process.

Before you choose a topic, make sure you understand your assignment:

• Length
  • Shorter assignments require a more focused idea.
• Due Dates
  • Give yourself ample time to explore your topic.
• Required Sources
  • Note the source requirements of your assignment. Sometimes the information you will need will be found in a library database.
  • Keep in mind that scholarly sources take longer to publish, so scholarly information on topics focused on specific recent events may be limited.

Understand Your Research Assignment

Watch this short video to better understand how to decipher your assignment.