How to do Research   Tags: books, choosing a topic, citation, citing, college composition, encyclopedias, illiad, internet, journals, library research instruction, link+, peer-reviewed, periodicals, point loma nazarene university, research guide, scholarly, st. martin's  

The purpose of this guide is to provide an overview of the research process.

The process outlined will demonstrate how to find sources for a research paper or project.  Specifically, you will learn how to find books, full-text articles, and useful internet sites. 

The information provided by this guide is an introduction to the research process.  It should not be viewed as a substitute for individual assistance on any topic. 

PLNU Reference Librarians are available to help with any research questions you may have.  You can contact us via:

• Chat (see box below)
• Email (reflib@pointloma.edu)
• Phone (619.849.2337)
• In person
  

Need help?  Ask us!

Click to view a list of all of the Ryan Library's Research Guides, or to search for the one you need. 

The Ryan Library website is your portal to all of your library research.

We suggest making a bookmark for the main Ryan Library page.

Before you begin your research, you should:

1. Think about what types of information you think you will need to find. 
2. Decide what type of source would be the best place to find that type of information.

Here are some examples:

This assignment will be distributed to all College Composition classes during their first Library Research Instruction Session.  A copy is provided here for convenience.

 Click to download an example of an annotation in MLA style in pdf format.

Choosing and refining a topic is an important part of the research process.  One valuable resource for looking for topics is CQ Researcher, one of our Reference Databases.  This reputable periodical explores in-depth one current and relevant issue every week.  Since the database goes back to 1923, looking at the topics covered can give you some ideas for topics. Keep in mind that many times your topic will need to fit specific criteria assigned by your professor.

Once inside CQ Researcher, click on one of these two links in the column on the left:

• Browse by Topic
  
• Index

PLNU's College Composition courses use the 7th Edition of the St. Martin's Handbook as a guide to research.

Read Chapter 11 for an introduction to the research process.

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