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Norwalk Campus Library

Norwalk CCS 1001: College and Career Success

Start Your Research

Before you develop your research questions, start by doing some initial exploration. This can help you identify areas of interest that you can use to refine your topic prior to searching.

Tips for Identifying Your Topic

1. What is your Prompt or an Area of Interest?

Ex.) Universal Healthcare

2. Write Down What you Think or Want to Know about the Topic

Ex.) I think the United States should have universal healthcare coverage.

What factors prevent the U.S. from establishing universal healthcare?

3. Consider the Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How

Ex.) Who should have universal healthcare? - U.S. Citizens? Adults? Everyone?
Why should the U.S. have universal healthcare?
How does universal healthcare affect public health?

Make a Research Plan

Writing a successful research paper, requires organization and time management. Give yourself a lot of time and stick to a schedule. Research is a process, so allow yourself enough time to:

  1. Brainstorming

  2. Researching and taking notes

  3. Making an outline

  4. Writing

  5. Revising and polishing

Giving yourself time and organization will make you successful at your projects!