Seton Hall University Libraries: English 1201 Research Guide: Starting Your Research

Try These Techniques

We cover a lot of ground in our ENGL 1201 research classes, and we don't expect you to remember everything! Here's a summary of some of the research techniques we typically practice in class. You can use this page to refresh your memory at the end of a research class or when you are starting to research on your own later in the semester.

Conduct Background Research

Background research can be as simple as Googling your topic or it can be a more involved process using a variety of verifiable websites and databases. Essentially, you are looking to expand your initial knowledge of a topic and skim for information that will help you refine your topic, or better put your idea about your topic into words.

In addition to Google and Wikipedia, try these library background sources:

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Provides background information from over 4000 academic reference sources and create mindmaps for your research topic.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context (Gale) This link opens in a new window
Covers current social issues, from offshore drilling to climate change, health care to immigration. This cross-curricular research tool supports science, social studies, current events, and language arts classes.
Global Issues in Context This link opens in a new window
Not a pro and con database, Global Issues in Context ties together sources to present a rich analysis of issues - social, political, military, economic, environmental, science related, health related, cultural - and headlines in world hot spots. It provides information seekers with a framework to better understand 21st-century issues and events while highlighting global connections and the interdependence of all nations.

Make a Mind Map

Mind mapping is the technique of creating visual aids for yourself to help organize your initial or emerging research concepts related to your topic.

Typically, you can draw or place your central topic into a shape in the center of your paper or screen. From there you can add sub-topics, and sub-topics of your sub-topics. There are a number of ways to do this.

Pen or markers and paper - Draw your mind map!
Use an online Mind Map tool such as Miro
Use the mind maps in Credo Reference to help you add to your own mind map.
You can also use your mind map to brainstorm keywords you might want to search with, to help you outline the structure of your paper, or even create a mind map to help you outline and understand key topics in a source you are reading.

There are numerous ways to use Mind Mapping for school, work, or your personal goals. Check out these examples.

Continue Your Research

When you're ready, feel free to start looking for articles, books, and news sources. You can use the following pages to get links and helpful research techniques.

Remember to reach out to a librarian via chat, email, or research appointment if you need any help getting started or continuing your research!

Contact Page