Research Guides: Getting Started on Research: Introduction

Formulating a Thesis

Where to start:

While this might already be decided for you, if you have a choice, start with a broad topic and then narrow down your topic to a specific topic. This will reduce the amount of information you have to search unrelated to your paper, saving you time.
Even though the purpose of a paper will vary depending on the subject matter, all papers have a thesis, whether stated or implied. The thesis or statement of intent needs to be stated clearly so you can remain focused on your research and on writing your paper.

How Lindenwood Library can help:

If you're having trouble narrowing your topic, talk to your instructor first.
You can also try browsing the Research Guides created by librarians at Lindenwood Library.
Try the Topic Finder feature inside of the Opposing Viewpoints database to gain a better understanding of a topic and its' scope.

Where to start:

Resources to support your thesis can come from a variety of sources, including books and journal articles. To locate journal articles, you'll need either an index with citation information or an online database with access to citation information or full-text.
Besides books and journal articles, you can also try less conventional sources, such as biographies of a key player in obituaries or a Who's Who publication, or primary sources such as diaries or letters and correspondence.
If you are conducting any research on the free internet (what you do when you're "surfing the web"), then you'll need to evaluate those sources carefully. For help with evaluating web resources, try Evaluating Resources.

How Lindenwood Library can help:

The Research Guides, created by librarians at Lindenwood Library, are an excellent resource for finding subject-specific resources.
If you're looking for a book, try using the Lindenwood Library Catalog. Books at Lindenwood Library are organized by Library of Congress call numbers.
Looking for an article or journal? In addition to the print journals in our library, you have access to over 130 databases, as well as numerous e-journals through our periodical search.

Where to start:

A style guide or publication manual provides guidance in the format you should use in writing your research paper. There are different style guides for different fields. To be sure you are using the correct style guide, consult with your professor. He or she will tell you which style guide should be used for your professional area.
Do not plagiarize. Plagiarism is cheating, and should be avoided at all cost. Honor the work others have done and give credit where it is due.

How Lindenwood Library can help:

The librarians at Lindenwood Library are always here to help. We've been trained professionally to help you sort through resources to find the best for your research. Drop by the Library and Academic Resources Center to speak to one, or contact a librarian via phone, Chat, or email.