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Research 101

This guide's purpose is to help you understand researching at a college level. Use the navigation on the left-hand side to explore different parts of a typical research process. If you need further help, contact a librarian!

Developing a Research Strategy

Forming a research question can come before, during, or after exploration of literature and resources. You might be provided a topic from your instructor or tasked with coming up with one on your own. 

Consider exploring social media or television, or think of your own experiences for relevant, timely issues.

Remember, the research process is nonlinear. Think of it more as a network of trails through the woods, rather than a train from point A to point B. 

 

1. Identify a Broad Topic

Start with a general interest area to narrow down into a research topic.

Consider the internet phenom of "orange cat behavior." If you're not familiar, there is a growing social media presence of orange cats and their presumed distinct personalities: goofy, clumsy, friendly, but perhaps with low intelligence. The memes and videos posted are all in good spirits, as most orange cat owners love this aspect of their pets. 

  • Broad Topic: Cat behavior and popular perceptions of cats.
  • Refined Focus: How coat colors relate to feline behavior or how social media (e.g., cat memes) might perpetuate stereotypes about cats.

2. Develop Research Questions

Frame questions to guide the research process:

  • Is there evidence supporting behavioral differences based on cat coat colors?
  • How does owner perception of cat behavior relate to coat color?
  • Do social media and cat memes reinforce stereotypes about certain coat colors (e.g., “grumpy calicos” or “friendly orange cats”)?

3. Identify Keywords for Searching

Use the research topic to generate keywords and phrases:

  • Core Keywords:
    • Cat behavior, coat color, feline personality, tortoiseshell cats, orange cats, calico cats
  • Related Terms:
    • Owner perception, animal behavior, pet stereotypes, aggression, sociability
  • Social Media Context:
    • Cat memes, internet culture, viral content, stereotype reinforcement

Use Boolean operators for complex searches:

  • (“cat behavior” OR “feline personality”) AND (“coat color” OR “orange cats”)
  • “social media” AND (“cat memes” OR “internet culture”) AND stereotypes

These keywords are what you use in our catalog and databases to search for sources, rather than typing a complete question.

Watch the video below to learn more about refining your research question so it's not too broad or too narrow.