Beyond the Basics: The Research Process at UCBA

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

Assignment Structure

• What is the first step in the assignment?
• Is the assignment in preparation for the next assignment in the course?
• Has the professor provided examples (e.g. topic list, source) of what you need to do?
• What is the format (e.g. essay, speech, video, presentation, report) of the assignment?
• Is there anything about the assignment that you don't understand?
• When is the assignment due?

Topics 

• Is the topic assigned by your professor or do you choose it? 
• Does your professor need to approve the topic?
• Do you need to schedule a meeting to discuss the proposed topic with your professor?
• Does the topic need to be in a specific form (e.g. 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 (e.g. scholarly journal article)?
• What style (e.g. APA, MLA) do you need to use to cite your sources?

UC Blue Ash College has a variety of academic support labs designed to help students succeed. Their web pages include contact information, tutoring hours, and how to schedule an appointment.