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!