Writing, Rhetoric, and Communication: Research

You will not find all the information you need in one place nor will you find it using a single search term.  Gather information from a wide variety of sources (encyclopedias, journal articles, book chapters, reviews, etc.).  Collect new keywords as you search.  Use keywords in various combinations to focus your search and refine your results list. Synthesize the information you find to support your thesis.  Remember to give credit when using the words or ideas of others by citing your sources correctly. 

As you explore topics, develop a keyword list for your topic.  Brainstorm for synonyms, keep track of dates, events, and key people related to your topic.   Add to the list as you delve into encyclopedia articles, book chapters, journal articles and other resources.