Make a Research Plan
Now that you have a topic in mind and you know some of the basics of that topic, it’s time to make a plan. Planning your research will save you time and keep you organized.
- List some questions you have about your topic. Think back to the Who, What, Where, and When ideas you thought about while you were developing your topic. What answers do you hope to find?
- For each question, consider what type of source you will use to help you answer the question. Will you find it in a newspaper article? Or a scientific study? Or maybe a government website?
- Brainstorm keywords, or words you will use to search for each source. Think broad and narrow (ex. sweatshirt vs. hoodie) What words do experts use to describe your topic? What words did you come across in the background information?
Keep in mind, research does not go in a straight line! You may find yourself asking MORE questions based on the information you find and needing MORE answers. Modify your research plan as you go.
What questions will you answer in your research?
This 3 minute video will help you determine how to explore your topic through questions.
What Types of Sources Will You Need?
This 3 minute video from Oviatt Library discusses the difference between newspaper, magazine, and scholarly journal articles, as well as books, reference and web sources.
What Words Will you Use to Search?
This 2 minute video explains how to create effective keywords for searching the Portland State University Library.
Planning your research will save you time and keep you organized. Record the questions you have about your topic on the Make a Research Plan Worksheet. Keep adding to this document as your research progresses.
The link will prompt you to make a copy of the document. Once you have filled in your answers, save the copy and send it to your instructor.
