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Moving from Ideas to a finished Research PaperThe Research JourneyHow to Make Your Research More EffectiveBrainstorming: Beginning the Process

Make a list of any subjects that you find interesting - Anything that interests you that you would want to study in another culture It is important at this stage not to limit yourself, so list everything Narrow it down to one idea to work with for now, but make sure that you have backup ideas as wellLook at your ideas and prioritize them the order that you would most like to work with first and then a few more after thatClustering: Before or After Research-Listing of details-More details-Any Details put here-Specificpoints-Important notesSubject A-Listing of details-More details-Any Details put here-Specificpoints-Important notesSubject BFree Writing: Before or After ResearchThis can be used before or after your research (In this case, after your research might be the best time). Set aside at least 10-20 minutes and keep writing on your subject. Do not stop, do not worry about grammar / spelling, or structure. This technique is merely to generate ideas.

Generating Search TermsOne of the most important parts of beginning your research is generating search terms for databases, internet searches, and other methods of research. Use your brainstorming, clustering, and / or freewriting to find these search terms.

A Search on Iraq and Humor

A Search on Japanese Music

Trustworthy Internet SitesTrustworthy Sources in General

Steps for Using Library DatabasesGo to the IUP Library web page: www.iup.edu/libraryClick on Article Databases and find an appropriate database to use (I recommend starting with Ebsco Host)For Ebsco Host, click the little box that says Select All and press ContinueBegin inputting your search terms.I recommend hitting advanced search underneath the search bar, though this is a matter of personal preference. Steps for Using Library Databases Part 2Start with the broadest terms and work towards more narrowAs you scroll through articles, look at titles / abstracts to find more search terms. Click on the titles to read the abstracts to get even more search terms. First, search scholarly journals and full text availability. Change keywords as necessary based on your brainstorming / search results.If you do not find enough resources, then eliminate the qualifier scholarly journal and use the same technique for evaluating these new resources as you would a web-site.

If you can find enough resources here, then there is no need to go any further.

Steps for Using Library Databases Part 3If you still do not find what you are looking for, then eliminate the full-text qualifier. This will lead to a few extra steps:Take note of the following from the entry: Name of Journal / Resource, Name of Article, Date, Volume / Page NumbersClick on Check Pilot for Holdings. If there is an Electronic version, then click on the title of that version.Once you reach the site, search for your article based on the details that you kept note of (every site will be slightly different, but they are usually easy to navigate).Look under Linked Resources for the dates that you need and click on the appropriate link.