Consider your research problem: What do you need to know and what are you trying to find out? Consider time period, place, person or group, event or aspect. Choose a topic that interests you!
Decide what types of sources you will need: books, articles, encyclopedias, maps, newspapers, etc.
Gather background information on the topic: explore your topic first—maybe start with a subject encyclopedia or other reference book for concise information, such as
Encyclopedia of Global Environmental Change, Sci-Eng Lib. Ref GE149 .E443
or, Wikipedia
Use a question stem, such as those below, to help write a clear, focused research question:
What is/was the role of . . . in . . .
What are/were the effects/results of . . .
Who/what influenced . . . to . . .
What is/was the relationship between . . . and . . .
How does/did . . . change . . .
Use this worksheet will help you brainstorm your research topic and narrow down keywords to help you look for supporting resources for your research questions.
Link to make a copy of the Self-Guided Worksheet Developing Keywords.
You will be prompted to make a copy. Fill out a copy for yourself in the Google Doc, or print it out and fill it out by hand.