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Research assignments

This guide should help you regardless of your area of study. What is the most effective way of presenting the information? What are the most important topics, subtopics, etc., that your paper needs to include? What order should you present them?

Geography, dates, location, gender & age are just a few of the ways you can narrow your research topic. We recommend starting with one of these resources:

Please click on image below for Keywords tutorial.

screenshot of the keywords tutorial

This Keyword tutorial from Auburn University is intended for those who need to search a library database in order to find sources for research and writing activities.

Learning outcomes:

  • Recognize that the careful selection of keywords can help focus your research
  • Apply strategies to select relevant keywords and synonyms for your own research

Brainstorming Your Topic

Time to Brainstorm

A concept map can be a helpful way to brainstorm around your topic and figure out exactly what you want to talk about for your assignment. Keywords are what you will use to conduct research on your topic. We have a helpful worksheet you can work through to figure out keywords for your topic. Check out the example sheet below the concept map video for guidance. 

Or watch this video on keywords:

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