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!
This is a great time to use Gale Power Search. There are several options to search such as Subject Guide, Publication or Topic.
Start Broad, Then Focus
Begin with a general subject you’re interested in, like climate change or social media. Then ask yourself: What specifically about this topic do I want to explore?
Ask Questions
Turn your topic into a question. For example:
→ How does social media impact teen mental health?
→ What are the most effective ways to reduce urban pollution?
These questions help guide your research and help you develop a thesis statement.
Start with a Research Question
Example: How does social media affect teen mental health?
Narrow the Focus
Ask: What specific aspect will you explore?
Refined: How does Instagram use impact teen girls’ self-esteem?
Take a Position or Make a Claim
Turn your question into a statement that can be supported or challenged:
👉 Instagram use has a negative impact on teen girls’ self-esteem by promoting unrealistic beauty standards.
Check for 3 Key Qualities
✅ Specific – Clearly states your focus
✅ Arguable – Someone could disagree with it
✅ Supportable – You can find evidence for it in research
A weak thesis just states a topic:
This paper is about social media and teens.
A strong thesis makes a claim:
Social media platforms like Instagram contribute to low self-esteem in teen girls by promoting idealized images and creating pressure to compare.
After you've refined your topic, it's time to start searching for sources.
Do you need books, articles, or something else? Can you use secondary sources or are you required to have all primary sources? Double-check your assignment, usually in the syllabus, or ask your professor.
Check for Available Sources
Do a quick search using library databases. If you’re finding too much or too little information, you might need to narrow or broaden your focus.
Look at Who, What, Where, When, and Why
Add filters to your topic:
Who? (e.g., college students, senior citizens)
What? (e.g., effects, causes, solutions)
Where? (e.g., in the U.S., in rural areas)
When? (e.g., over the last decade, during the pandemic)
Why? (e.g., to understand behavior, improve health, influence policy)
If you're not using the library’s databases, it’s important to carefully evaluate your sources before including them in your assignment.
If you’re unsure how to judge a source, try using the CRAAP Test:
This tool helps you decide whether a source is trustworthy. Ask these five questions:
C – Currency: Is the information recent enough for your topic?
R – Relevance: Does the source relate directly to your research question?
A – Authority: Who is the author or publisher? Are they credible?
A – Accuracy: Can the information be verified by other sources? Are there references or evidence?
P – Purpose: Why was the source created? To inform, persuade, sell, or entertain?
If you’re ever in doubt, reach out to the library—we’re here to help you evaluate your sources with confidence.
Pick a method that matches your style:
Outline Method:
Organize notes into main ideas, subpoints, and evidence.
Causes of climate change
A. Greenhouse gases
B. Deforestation
Cornell Notes:
Divide the page into three sections: cues (questions), notes, and summary.
Digital Notes:
Use tools like Google Docs, OneNote, or Notion to organize by topic or source.
Always write down:
Author
Title
Publication or website
Date
Page number (if applicable)
Link (if digital)
This makes citing your sources easier later!
If you write something word-for-word, put it in quotation marks and note the page number. This helps prevent accidental plagiarism.
Write notes in your own words to better understand the material—and be sure you still credit the original source.
As you gather more information, start organizing your notes by:
Main ideas
Arguments
Supporting evidence
This helps when you start outlining your paper.
Color-coding or symbols like ★ for key ideas, ? for unclear points, or ! for strong quotes can help you scan your notes more easily.