Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Research is a process that requires several steps.  Sometimes you will have to repeat the same steps over and over again to achieve the results you want.  Be patient.  Give yourself time and grace. Ask for help if you need it.  Enjoy the process!

1. If given a choice, choose a topic you have interest in and feel passionate about.

2. Then formulate your topic as a question.  But why do this?

• Questions REQUIRE answers!
• Questions give you a way of evaluating the evidence!
• A clear, open-ended question calls for real research and thinking!

3. Once you have a question, start brainstorming keyword concepts to use as you search for sources.

For ideas, look at...

• your class's syllabus (if you have one)
• the textbook (if you have one, or borrow one)
• other readings from class
• other terms being used to describe this concept during your preliminary research (look at the Subject Terms in a database)
• your professor's notes or PowerPoint slides
• conversations with your research mentor
• a librarian or research coach

Once you have a couple of main concepts, brainstorm synonyms for these concepts!  The more terms you have, the more options you have!