WR 122: LeFave: 2-Search terms

Looking for sources involves doing research, but you can think of it more as exploring what others have written or considered important. The idea is to expand the conversation beyond your own thoughts to include other people's thoughts and perspectives in ways that add to and support your own ideas.

1. Watch the videos below on SEARCH TERMS, which describe strategies for generating vocabulary to make searching more efficient. The worksheet has a section for you to brainstorm and document search terms as you research.

2. It can be helpful to think about using sources in terms of the evidence they provide. Watch the video on types of EVIDENCE to generate ideas for the kinds of sources that will be most useful for addressing your topic.

3. Download, print and read through the handout linked below on refining a topic statement. This will help you to refine your topic and begin considering WHO in the world of thinkers and researchers  might be writing about your topic.

Step 3 is then find some sources -- books and articles from the library -- and begin digging into research.