Research Tips

1. Start early! Allow enough time to conduct proper, in-depth research.
2. Select a topic that is of interest to you.
3. Create a list of keywords for your topic and add to the list as you do research. In addition to the obvious keywords, look for associated words and terminology.
4. Get a basic overview of your topic by checking reference sources such as encyclopedias and dictionaries for definitions, statistics or maps. While these sources may provide a general basis for your topic, they are not considered sources for scholarly research. Look to books, academic journals and peer-reviewed sources for more in-depth research.
5. Review available books, videos and audiotapes for background information and discussions about your topic. Internet search engines can provide additional information.
6. Use full-text articles and abstracts from journals, magazines and newspapers to bring your research up to date. These sources may be found in hardcopy and on-line. AAU students and faculty have access to a multitude of on-line sources. Never, ever, photocopy, download or print anything without writing down where the information came from.
7. Always cite your sources.