Research 101 (older version)

Please click here for the new Research 101.

If you need an updated URL for a syllabus or Blackboard:

https://guides.hostos.cuny.edu/startyourresearch

Thank you!

More tips

Choose a topic you find interesting and a question about it that you don't already have the answer to. Don't make the rookie mistake of dreaming up what you'll write first, then looking for someone who agrees with you! 

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

nderstanding these steps in the reseach 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? 

For more on focusing your topic and developing a research question, see the video above.  

• Develop keywords to do more 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. This is usually the sign of thoughtful and well-done research.

• 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.