What to Consider
It's important to fully read the assignment details before starting your research. Knowing what you need to get full credit can help guide your research, and save you time!
- Due Date
Knowing when the assignment is due will help you map out your research process. It's important to give yourself enough time to conduct your research fully, just in case you have to request items through Interlibrary Loan or MOBIUS.
- Resource Requirments
Sometimes you will need a specific amount of articles, books, or peer-reviewed sources. Often, the assignment will list things you should NOT use in your project (like magazines, popular articles, and blogs). You might also have a specific publication date range you need to consider when looking for articles.
- Length
Remember to keep in mind how many pages your paper is supposed to be. This can help you know how many sources you should consider.
- Assignment Purpose
What is the purpose of the assignment? Knowing this clearly before you start your research can help you frame your research question and thesis. Are you writing a paper to inform or persuade an audience, or are you working on a presentation to demonstrate a specific skill? Knowing can help you find the correct resources!
- Citation Styles
Which style of citations will you be using? Knowing in advance can help you build your work cited page as you go, instead of waiting until the end.
