Research Process: Start Here

1. Visualize your topic

2. Search relevant database(s) for your topic

     A. Use databases' subject headings

     B. Combine terms

     C. Refine your topic:

• Finding articles can be part of determining your topic!
• You might need to narrow or expand your initial topic.

     D. Narrow or expand search, as needed

• Be sure results are under 80 to get relevant results
  • Add another term 
  • Add limits 
• If narrowing brings your results too low:
  • Use another database
  • Broaden your search terms
  • Try citation chasing

3. Read the articles you find! Use what you read to locate more articles

4. Evaluate your resources. 

5. Get organized! Save your citations & create your bibliography.

Start with this video on choosing on adjusting your topic from North Carolina State University Libraries.