Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.
Library
 

IDS 101: Chemicals and Society

The Research Cycle

Explore Your Topic

1. Explore Your Topic

Before you settle on a topic, it's a good idea to do some background research first. The library is a great source for background information!

Refine Your Topic

2. Refine Your Topic

Now that you've done some background research, it's time to narrow your topic. Remember: the shorter your final paper, the narrower your topic needs to be.

Search for Sources

3. Search For Sources

After you've refined your topic, it's time to start searching for sources. Do you need books, articles, or something else?

Evaluate Your Sources

4. Evaluate Your Sources

It's always a good idea to evaluate sources before using them in your assignment. Do you need to have scholarly sources or the most recent research?

Writing Center

5. Write

Pull everything together to share your argument and your evidence. Tie ideas from your sources together with your own thoughts and analysis to make a compelling case.