CSTEP Research

Research is about asking questions, learning new things, making sense of varied and sometimes contradictory information, and asking new questions. 

Understanding these steps in the research process can help you take charge of your research:

• Consider your topic's scope : how broad or narrow is it? If it's too broad, you may find lots of sources but they may not work together well, because there are so many sub-topics. If your topic is too narrow, it may be hard to find information at all.  
• Focus your topic and develop a research question by brainstorming (actually write it out!):
  • What do you already know about the topic?
  • What more do you want to find out? 
• Develop keywords to start your searches, and do some background research - especially when a topic is new to you.
• Reference articles, news publications, and book introductions can help you learn more about your topic. See the big picture and  what sub-topics exist to refine your focus.

As you read each source, your understanding of the topic and questions about it will change - this is normal! 

Research is a dynamic process. Be prepared to modify or refine your topic. 

You can always contact your professor (take advantage of their office hours!) and Hostos librarians for more help in developing your topic and research question. 

Evaluating Sources

Questions to ask when reviewing credibility, authority, author's argument and purpose of potential sources

Algorithmic Bias

"Because we often assume that algorithms are neutral and objective, they can inaccurately project greater authority than human expertise. Thus, the pervasiveness of algorithms—and their incredible potential to influence our society, politics, institutions, and behavior—has been a source of growing concern. Algorithmic bias is one of those key concerns. This occurs when algorithms reflect the implicit values of the humans involved in their creation or use..."

What is Research?
Adapted from Getting Started with Research in Hostos Library Research 101 by Haruko Yamauchi, Hostos
License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Evaluating Sources
Source: Evaluating Sources in Hostos Library Research 101 by Haruko Yamauchi, Hostos
License: Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Algorithmic Bias Source: Introduction to College Research by Walter D. Butler; Aloha Sargent; and Kelsey Smith is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License