JWST 31602: The Bible and Its Stories: General Info

Rome wasn't built in a day and that goes for your research paper! It is normal to revise your search terms as you conduct research. Here's why:

• Not all catalogs and datases use the same terminology. You may find many articles or books on a topic using one term but you may have to find an alternate term or umbrella term when you move onto another database.
• As you uncover new evidence on your topic, you may decide to change the direction of your paper and revise your thesis. That's great because it shows you are learning. Research and writing is a recursive process, no matter your level of study or proficiency in the topic.

1. Brainstorm a research topic -- what is the main idea you want to write about in your research paper?  Try different words and phrases to define your topic. Rank the keywords in your topic in order of importance.

2. Get overview and background information on your topic -- use general and subject-specific encyclopedias, broaden or narrow your topic, find key search terms to use.

3. Identify the types of resources you need (print/electronic books, journal/magazine articles, images, statistics).

4. Search for information. Start with the CUNY+ Library Catalog using the box to the left to find books, and the databases listed below to find articles.

5. Evaluate information and sources (accurate, timely, appropriate for academic research papers).

6. Cite your sources.

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