Beyond the Basics: The Research Process at UCBA

Getting started on a research assignment can sometimes be confusing and/or overwhelming. Before starting, identify your team of experts and take time to understand the assignment and any guidelines or requirements. 

Assignment Structure

• What is the first step in the assignment?
• Did the professor provide examples (ex: topic list, source) of what you need to do?
• What is the format (ex: essay, speech, video, presentation, report)?
• Is there anything about the assignment that you don't understand?
• When is the assignment due?

Topic 

• Do you choose the topic or is it assigned by your professor? 
• Does the professor need to approve your topic?
• Do you need to meet with your professor to discuss the topic?
• Does the topic need to be in a specific format (ex: research question, thesis statement)?

Sources & Citing

• Do you need to use a specific number of sources?
• Do you need to use a specific type of source (ex: scholarly journal article)?
• What style (ex: APA, MLA) do you need to use to cite your sources?

The academic support labs at UC Blue Ash College are here to help students succeed. Their web pages include contact information, tutoring hours, and how to schedule an appointment.