Writing a Paper? Get Started Here.
- What is a Research Paper?This link leads you to the OWL at Purdue, an excellent website with information on all aspects of writing a paper.
- Breaking Down Your Prompt
This fillable Google Doc helps you break down any prompt into its main tasks and requirements, list helpful resources and readings, and brainstorm ideas for answering the prompt. Make a copy and use it as many times as you need! - Start with your QuestionsWI+RE tutorial for concept mapping/research brainstorming.
- CoggleOnline click-and-drag concept mapping/webbing, free with any Google account
- Example CoggleExample Coggle with suggestions for how to break down research topic ideas.
Topics, Questions, and Keywords
- Gale Literature Criticism — Browse TopicsHave free range for your topic? Browse this list to get ideas. Use the "Jump to" drop down to find general topic areas of interest.
- Developing Research Questions and Creating KeywordsWI+RE tutorial on Research Questions and Keywords (vital for successful library and web searches!)
- MIT Guide for Narrowing and Broadening Research TopicsAre you finding too few sources, or too many sources not relevant to your topic? Try narrowing or broadening your topic.
- Searching with Subject TermsHaving trouble finding the "right" keywords to get the results you're looking for? Try Subject Terms! (Guide from Utah State)
Finding and Evaluating Sources of Information
- Website Research: Lateral Reading and SIFTGuide from Central Michigan University Libraries.
- PEER REVIEW, CITATION PRACTICES, AND FINDING SCHOLARSHIPGuide from jaime ding, Cal Poly, with considerations for incorporating perspectives beyond traditional methods of academia.
Avoid Plagiarism and Citing Sources
- Purdue OWLResources for writing and citing
- Avoiding Plagiarism and Citing SourcesWI+RE tutorial
- Getting Started with ZoteroWI+RE tutorial for this FREE citation management tool. Collect citations as you search with the Zotero browser extension. Collaborate with teams in shared Zotero libraries, create ref lists and in-text citations in Microsoft or Google docs, and more!
- UCLA Student Code of ConductSee 102.01c: Plagiarism
- Ask Us!Ask for help with citations, finding materials, and more. Chat with real people 24/7! (If chatting outside of normal PT business hours, you may be talking to someone in another library in another part of the world.)
- AI Tools GuideLibrary guide for AI tools (in-progress as tech is continually updated). If you wish/plan/hope to use AI tools to support academic work (e.g. brainstorming, info source suggestions), please be transparent with instructors and administrators, as software is available to detect AI use in submitted work.