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NIH Bridges to the Future
Library Research Guide
Welcome to the Bridges to the Future Library Research Guide! This guide is an introduction to the research process with a focus on finding and reading academic sources. If this guide does not have the information you are looking for, don't hesitate to Ask A Librarian for help any time during the Libraries' service hours.
Research Perspectives
Research is a curious, complex, iterative process. Like many undergraduate courses, this guide simplifies that process. Let's start by seeing what academic research is like for professionals. The essays and video here are perspectives on the research process from researchers past and present.
- The Importance of Stupidity in Scientific ResearchA short essay from a cell biologist on learning and research.
- The Student, the Fish, and AgassizThis 19th century essay describes the experience of a first-year zoology graduate student. In your research you might experience similar feelings of disappointment, despair, surprise, misery, and mortification.
Research Process
Research can be challenging, non-linear, monotonous, frustrating, and rewarding. Breaking parts of the process into smaller pieces
makes it manageable. Below are some steps you might experience as you begin a research project. If you get stuck at any time in this process, Ask A Librarian or make an appointment with your librarian.
First steps in the research process
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Research notes and reflection
This process takes days, weeks, or months. It is helpful to take notes as you go to track your thinking. Reminders to yourself will save time.
Ask yourself: What am I thinking about as I develop my research question(s)? What types of information do I need to answer this question? Where am I searching and what search terms am I using to find resources? What is interesting to me and my research about this specific article?
- Research Process WorksheetThis 2-page worksheet has sections to help you choose a topic, brainstorm search strategies, find resources on your topic, and modify your search.
- Research TemplateSuggested format for taking notes while you're searching.
- Searching Reflection QuestionsAdditional questions for reflecting on your search process. These questions are training for more efficient searching.
- Evaluating Sources Rhetorically/Analyzing Rhetorical Use of Sources: The BEAM ModelTwo-sided handout. One side offers questions to ask to determine relevance of sources. Opposite side outlines four main ways sources can be used.
From Indiana University Bloomington Library,
Source URL:
https://libraries.indiana.edu/file/evaluating-sources-rhetorically-pdf
- Kirmser Undergraduate Research AwardUndergraduates doing research for a class at K-State can apply for this award. The reflective questions on this page are for preparing the essay but they are useful for your research too.
Google for Researchers
- Transcript Advanced Googling 2020 (Word)Transcript to enhance accessibility
- Transcript Googling Academically 2020 (Word)Transcript to enhance accessibility
