Skip to Main Content

The Research Process

A guide to performing research at NETC Library

Developing your topic takes research

Research is an exploration of a topic that sometimes leads you to a different place than where you started. This is not only OK, it’s exactly what research is about. Research is NOT about having an opinion and finding sources that say what you want them to say.

Some considerations when selecting a topic

  • How much do you know about the topic?
  • Is the topic manageable?
    1. Too much information and you will have to narrow it down.
    2. If there is not enough information you may need to start over or find a way to make your topic broader
  • Is your topic too time-consuming? If so, choose another topic or narrow your current topic.
  • Are all the sources you need easily accessible?
  • Who is your target audience?

Use a mind map to organize your thinking