Research is a Process
Research is a life skill that you use everyday. Which smart phone should I buy? Which takeout has the best food? You apply the same modes of research in your coursework for papers, presentations, discussion posts, and more. More importantly, the act of research will foster lifelong skills of critical thinking and information literacy.
Remember that the research process takes time and effort. You should not expect to complete all of these steps in only a few hours. By thoughtfully approaching your assignment you will be able to pick a reasonable topic, research the topic, and compose an organized paper to your instructor's standards.
Research assignments can be difficult, especially if you are not sure how to get started. This guide is intended to help you find your footing, make a research plan, and use all the resources available to help you with your assignment. Don't forget, you can always reach out to your local librarians for assistance!
Research & citation assistance
Research assignments can be difficult to begin, especially if you are not sure how to get started. The resources below are intended to help you with the research and writing process, but there is more help available.
Book a session with a TSTC librarian to get one-on-one assistance.
Writing Guides
Citation Guides
Research assignments can be difficult to begin, especially if you are not sure how to get started. The resources below are intended to help you with the research and writing process, but there is more help available.
Book a session with a TSTC librarian to get one-on-one assistance.
Pre-Writing
- Making a Research PlanStep by step instructions on how to write a research paper from pre-planning to submission.
- Evaluating SourcesUse this list to help you better evaluate your sources as you research.
- Concept MapsAn example of a concept map. Concept maps can be a good way to get started by getting thoughts on paper quickly.
- ListingListing is best used when you need to narrow your topic. Includes examples of listing topic ideas.
- Journalists' QuestionsThe tried and true method of the 5w's and an h. Delve deep into an idea to pill interesting topic ideas.
- FreewritingNot sure where to begin? Freewriting will allow your mind to wander so you can figure out what you know most/love best about the topic.
Writing
- Steps for Writing a Research PaperAcademic writing can be a daunting task. This step-by-step tutorial can help you get started. Remember, the best instructions for how to start on a paper are found within your course outline or assignment instructions!
- Revision Process ChecklistDon't turn in your paper only half finished! Use this checklist to make sure that you are turning in your best work.
Citation
- APA 7th Edition Quick SheetCitation basics for APA 7th edition. Find sample papers and extended guides at https://tstc.libguides.com/citation.
- Chicago/CMOS Quick SheetCitation basics for Chicago/CMOS style. Find sample papers and extended guides at https://tstc.libguides.com/citation.
- MLA 8th Edition Quick SheetCitation basics for MLA 8th edition.
Are You Making a Meal Out of Research? : A Recipe for Research Success by Type: eBookISBN: 9781000865981Publication Date: 2023This workbook has been designed to help you better understand what research is, how to do it (with activities to help you think about this in the context of your own research) and where you might start looking in the vast ocean of resources out there.
College Research Papers for Dummies by Type: eBookISBN: 9781394191123Publication Date: 2023-07-12Take advantage of all the resources available to you as you write your first research paper, from your university’s library databases to your local college center’s support services Develop common research paper writing techniques, including argumentation, research questions, and thesis statements
How to Write a Scientific Paper by Type: eBookISBN: 9781386140917Publication Date: October 29, 2018You'll learn how to outline your paper from top to down, how to develop your story, and how to think about what to write before you write it. You'll also learn how to deal with many issues that writers of science commonly face, from the fear of the blank page to dealing with critical reviews.
How to Write Essays for Standardized Tests: Advice and Examples for Ap Act and Other Common High School Exam Essays by Type: eBookISBN: 9780525571919Publication Date: November 22, 2021This essential guide expertly analyzes what graders are looking for across each of these standardized high school tests and then helps you swiftly and effectively meet their requirements.
Level up Your Essays by Type: eBookISBN: 9781742245126Publication Date: 2021-04-01Written by the people who mark your essays, it will show you step-by-step how to write high-quality essays that will get you top marks.
The Only Academic Phrasebook You'll Ever Need by Type: eBookISBN: 9781386037156Publication Date: February 28, 2019A short, no-nonsense, reader-friendly bank of academic sentence templates. It was written for both graduate and undergraduate students who already know the basics of academic writing but may still struggle to express their ideas using the right words.
The Undergraduate Research Handbook by Type: eBookISBN: 9781137341495Publication Date: 2018This is a comprehensive guide to planning and producing high-quality dissertations, written assignments and project reports at undergraduate level. It supports students of all disciplines through each stage of the research process, from drafting questions and reviewing the literature through to collecting data and presenting their work. It provides practical guidance on common problems, including writer's block and managing deadlines, and contextualises this with examples of real students'experience of research.
