Home - Researching? Start Here - Research Guides at Ohio University Lancaster

Introduction

The steps of college research!

Beginning a research project? Don't know where or how to begin?

This Research Guide explains the research steps.

When in doubt, consult a librarian.

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Ask a librarian

Please Interrupt Us!
We're at the Reference Desk waiting for you.

A librarian can help you:

- search smarter

- define and develop your topic

- locate keywords and phrases
for your topic

- use the databases and
catalogs effectively

- request books from other OU
campuses and OhioLINK

- with your citations

- with any of your research
problems

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The Steps of college research

Choose a topic.
- Narrow or broaden the topic as needed.
Identify the keywords for your research question.
- Before you begin searching, you'll need to locate the most important words
to use.
Find information.
- Use the online catalogs and article databases.
Evaluate your search results.
- Evaluation includes criteria such as authority, accuracy, and lack of bias.
Avoid plagiarism.
   - Observe academic ethical standards.
   - Keep track of what information from what source.
   - Use our Plagiarism Guide.
Cite accurately.
- Use our Citation Style Guides and other library resources.

Academic search Complete

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Selection of Article Databases For Your Assignments

Academic Search Complete
Academic Search Complete is the first place to look for articles. It's the Google of article databases. If full-text for the article isn't available, use the Find It! link. Use the blue "Choose Databases" to access subject-specific databases.
CQ Researcher
CQ Researcher explores a single "hot" topic in the news each week. Provides in-depth, unbiased coverage including social trends, education, the environment, and technology.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Use the Opposing Viewpoints in Context for finding information to support assignments such as argumentative or persuasive essays or speeches.
Electronic Journal Center
Includes the full text of online scholarly, peer reviewed research journals.
MasterFILE Premier
A general database providing on magazine articles, rather than scholarly ones. Depending on your topic, this could be a good "starter"database.
Ohio University Databases by Subject
Provides many research resources, including article databases. You can search for databases by subject, keyword or name.
Learning Express Library
The Learning Centers offers practice tests, exercises, skill-building courses, eBooks, and information. Includes Praxis I & II preparation tests. Create a user name and password on campus. Select "Occupational" from the contents list; then "Teaching."
LexisNexis Academic
For newspaper articles and editorials, use LexisNexis Academic. It provides access to a wide range of news. Research areas include top news, general news topics, and news transcripts.
Locate a Journal by Name
Need a specific journal? "Locate a Journal" makes it easy to find the specific journals required for an assignment.
Search using the option, "Titles Exact Match" in the drop-down box.