So you've got to make a researched argument, and there are a lot of steps along the way! You need to come up with project ideas, and then turn an idea into a topic and a topic into a question. As you investigate your question, you'll need to create an annotated bibliography and an outline before you actually draft your argument.
1. How can I create an effective research strategy?
2. How can I stay organized and keep track of my research?
Turning Topics into Research
Part of effective research is figuring out what you’re researching. Often that means taking a BIG topic and turning it into a relatively narrow question that you can then seek to answer using primary, secondary, and tertiary sources. One way to start that process is by creating a concept map. A concept map is an illustration of the many facts, concepts and stakeholders that are related to your broad topic. Start by writing down your main idea in the oval below, and then start writing down related ideas, including issues, sub-topics, examples, questions you have, anything and everything you know about it…and things you don’t know!
Ask yourself: Where is this happening? Who is involved? When did it happen? What was the result? What was the cause? How did it happen?
CC Image: Elina Hill "Concept Map"
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