![]() You will often start with a topic that is too broad or the project's scope is too large. When this happens, go with it. Start researching your idea no matter how large; just be willing to let it evolve. Be flexible. I wrote a paper last year on the rise of natural horsemanship in the twentieth century. I planned to include all components that affected the popularity of natural horsemanship, such as the rise of the middle class, the evolving view of animal rights, the introduction of the interstate road system, and the change in family dynamics to support recreation and sport. Through the research process, I narrowed my topic to only include the impact of the rise of the middle class on the growth of natural horsemanship. A couple of things happened during this process. First, I found a wealth of information on the rise of the middle class. Second, I discovered that nobody had researched the connection between the growth of natural horsemanship and the changes in American society in the twentieth century. Lastly, my original topic may have been too big for a term paper, but I knew I had an excellent topic for my PhD dissertation. Be flexible, and be willing to pair down your topic. Or possibly shift gears altogether as you uncover new scholarship. Most importantly, recognize and keep track of opportunities for further research in the future. The easy answer is to use your school's online library. Done. That's it. But it's really not. Online libraries are a daunting place, especially for new graduate students. Most of us begin by typing the subject we are researching into the big search bar on the main page of the library's website and accept whatever pops up. We assume that's all there is on the subject. Well, after years, no actually decades of doing research, I can tell you that's not all there is. Imagine that infographic of the iceberg that was popular in the early 2000s. Well, you not only are not seeing what's beneath the surface, but you grabbed a clump the size of your palm from the top and swam away. Leaving all of the research and ideas others have already contributed to your topic. Sure, start with that search bar. Search for several keywords, but continue from there; after all, you are just getting started. Narrow your search to only include academic journals within the last two years. This is the most recent conversation being had on your topic. Once you read one of those articles, check out the sources cited by that author. Go to the articles and books they used and see if you could include any more relevant information to further the conversation. Also, by doing this, you have now identified new sources, journals, and books you can use.
If you are not a historian, think outside the box. Who would be interested in keeping records on your topic? A Facebook group? Twitter (X) archives? Local newspapers? Consider subjects similar to your topic but different from the same name. For example, if you are writing a paper on running shoes, search the Olympic photo archives to see what shoes have been popular over the years. Find an association of podiatrists; they likely have had papers presented on shoes and their impact on runners' feet. Attend outdoor expos to see what is up and coming. You won't find these sources by searching "running shoes" on your school's library site, but with a bit of sleuthing, you will have an interesting paper coming at the topic from a new angle.
Here are some questions you can use to guide your decisions about your sources:
Evaluate the Author Does this person have a graduate degree in the field? Are they a prolific author on the topic? How long have they been contributing to the conversation in this field? Why should you listen to what this author has to say? Why do they deserve to be included in your research? Publication Source If your source is an academic journal, is it peer-reviewed? What is this, you ask? Peer-reviewed articles are written by an expert and reviewed and commented on by other experts. You won't find this with other publications, such as the Wall Street Journal, but your academic articles must be peer-reviewed. Date of Publication When was your source published? As mentioned in the section of this blog titled, "....", there may be a reason to include older sources such as in a historiography. However, you will likely want to include the most recent scholarship and sources published in the past five years. Content Does the content of this source apply to the research you are doing? You must understand your source in its entirety, even if you only quote a single sentence. Recently, there has been a problem in academia of researchers taking quotes and sources out of context. Yes, Fake News has even infiltrated academia. ![]() First and foremost, Cite your sources! Tattoo it on your hand so you see that word as you type if you must (I did). Not only do you need to cite everything you use in your paper from other authors, but you also need to cite them correctly. The way you cite your sources will vary depending on your field, your school, or the journal you are writing for. If you are in a business program, you will likely use a citation called MLA. If you are in communications or psychology, you should use APA. You will likely cite in Chicago or Turabian format if you are a historian. But check with your school, journal, or employer to be sure you are using the correct format. Once you know which format to use. Buy the book. Just trust me; buy the book for that format and citation style. I promise it will be money well spent, and you will have it dog-eared and coffee-stained soon enough. You must repurchase the book as the style updates every year. Take your time here. You are either spending thousands of dollars on a graduate program, or you are putting your reputation on the line with your employer or a journal. Take your time here. Once you know which citation method to use and have read the book cover to cover (you know, the one you bought), go to YouTube to learn about Mendeley, Endnote, or Zotero. I've used them all, and Zoterro is the most reliable. Also, Zoterro works with LaTeX. You don't need to know what LaTeX is right now, but if you plan to write for journals, you'll be thankful you are using Zoterro in the future. Your future self can send me a thank you later. ;)
There are several ways to broaden your knowledge within your field. Remember, hundreds of thousands, maybe even millions of people, are interested in what you are interested in. Don't be a lone wolf; learn from the pack! Joining a professional organization within your field is a great start. Professional organizations offer publications, conferences, and networking opportunities.
Remember to read books in your field. Read contemporary authors, but also look back through historical publications. In the history field, we put great emphasis on historiography. That is the study of how research and interpretation of history have changed over time. This method allows us to understand the subject we are studying and how others have interpreted that subject through the lens of their time. It is truly a fascinating way to familiarize yourself with your genre. Lastly, be social. Talk to others in your field. Even for the most introverted person, having the opportunity to discuss the topic you are passionate about is magically priceless. Not only will you gain understanding and perspective, but you may also have one of those conversations where hours fly by, and you feel like you are only getting started. You may even make a friend. Martinus, Tess. “Watch: Knowing the State of Your Profession: WRIT501: Research Methods and Bibliography (B02).” MP4. Accessed February 20, 2024. https://canvas.liberty.edu/courses/573643/pages/watch-knowing-the-state-of-your-profession?module_item_id=62634709.
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AuthorElizabeth Dennis ArchivesCategoriesRecommended Books
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