1. Starting Your Research
Week 12

2. Preparing to Write Your Research Paper:
A Research Paper is NOT…
A rearrangement or summary of information from different sources
A report that could be included in a general encyclopedia
A matter of cutting and pasting together from different resources
A result of one quick Google search

3. A Research Paper is…
Your own analysis of information discovered from academic resources
A chance to demonstrate to others what you have learned, and express your thoughts on social issues in an organized, scholarly manner

4. Stages of Research: Choosing and Narrowing a Topic
Gathering Material and Research
Keeping a Bibliography and Avoiding Plagiarism
Integrating Sources: Direct Quotation, Paraphrasing, Summarizing
Works Cited Page

5. Formulating a Research Question
A successful research question will:
Narrow an issue related to pop culture down to a manageable question for a 6-8 page paper.  
Be specific.
Invite discussion about the answer to the question.  
Some poor research questions:
How does science fiction affect society?
(Too broad… affect it HOW? And who is “society” referring to?)
What are some good science fiction movies?
(“Good” is too subjective. What do you mean by “good”? And what is your purpose in ranking these movies? What does it say about a aspect of society/people?)

6. Research Question, cont.
Improved Research questions:
Has science fiction historically been able to comment on issues of sexism and homophobia in a unique way? What has science fiction contributed to the conversation about these topics?
What are some of the most significant real world scientific discoveries that have been inspired by science fiction films?
Remember, your Research Paper Argument Proposal needs to have your research question at the top, followed by a discussion of why you chose this question and where you think you will go from here.

7. Rough Research Question
Brainstorm a rough research question(s) based on the topics you are interested in.
Make it specific
Avoid discussing “all society” or other vague phrases
Now, ask yourself, why am I interested in this question? What observations or experiences have led me to ask this?

8. Ok, I have a research question. Now what?
Take your research question home.
Also ask yourself:
What knowledge/experience do you bring to the topic already?
What are issues you know you will need to explore/read about further in order to find out what your claim is going to be?
Then, start your research and start work on the Argument Proposal, which is due next week.

9. Suggestions for Beginning Research
Make a list of terms and phrases that might get you good search results for your question.
For example, for my science fiction and homphobia/gay characters question, I might make the following list:
Science fiction and prejudice
Sci-fi and prejudice
Science fiction and homophobia
Science fiction and gender
Science fiction and sexism
Science fiction civil rights
Science fiction gay representation
Science fiction social justice
Etc.
Try different combinations of words that might get you results. If you don’t find what you want immediately, change your search terms and try again.
Once you do find a source or two, see if there are any common phrases you might add to your list.
Use quotation marks to find only those words in that EXACT order!

10. General Internet Research: Work with Caution
You can also get more accurate research on Google if you learn to use Google’s filters on the side bar. (“News” is sometimes a useful filter)
Also, you can search for scholarly articles by going to Keep in mind these may be too long/complex. But check it out anyway!
Do not ever cite Wikipeida as a source. It is NOT considered a reliable or academic source.
If you absolutely cannot find the information anywhere else, you may look at a Wikipedia entry for ONE PURPOSE ONLY: To use their citation system to find the ORIGINAL SOURCE of the information. When you see a number link in a wiki article, click and it will take you to a citation at the bottom of the page. You may use this to go to the original source.
If the claim or information is not cited, it cannot be fully trusted. Do not use it, or search for it elsewhere.

11. So what are some Reputable Sources?
Peer reviewed academic journals
find through library website
Reputable websites and articles from reliable news sources, websites run by trustworthy organizations
Treat some websites with caution. The internet contains a wealth of information, but unless you know the credentials of the person posting the opinions/interpretations of a work, tread carefully. Come see me if you have any questions.
Articles or Material from any of our library databases

12. Library Research
LAMC Library Resources are available from the lamission.edu main library webpage.
Databases on the Library Website that will probably be useful are:
ProQuest (articles from newspapers and magazines and journals worldwide)
CQ Researcher (excellent in-depth coverage of a variety of topics)
Opposing Viewpoints (clearly laid out information on both side of a variety of topics)

13. Research: LAMC Library Resources
Frequently Asked Research Questions Answered by LAMC Librarians
Where to start:
Database Resources:
Do several sample searches, show students how to use keywords and how to find sources in most helpful databases:
EBESCOHost - general
Academic OneFile – general
Opposing Viewpoints and CQ Researcher – contemporary issues, broad overviews
Ebook Collection
Ethnic NewsWatch – if you are focusing on minority representation in any way.

14. Doing Research on a Schedule
Don’t put it off until the last minute!
It is an extremely bad idea to put off your research to the last minute.
Research can help you narrow your topic
In fact, research can help you determine if the topic is even right for you!
Set a schedule.
If you have a schedule-keeper or a calendar, you might want to get it out and consult it as you put together this schedule for yourself.
If you don’t have a calendar or schedule keeper, I highly suggest you get one! It’s an academic essential!

15. Keep Records as You Go!
When gathering information from sources, be sure to cite your sources carefully (author, title, page numbers, publisher, publication date) and mention whether you are quoting the source word-for-word (direct quotation) or summarizing a source’s ideas in your own words.
Build your Works Cited page as you research, DON’T leave it until the last.

16. Think, Pair, Share Find a Partner
“Interview” each other about the upcoming essay.
Ask your partner what ideas they are considering for topics, what aspect of pop culture and issues connect to it they will be focusing on
Ask your partner what their research question might be, or what they are thinking about researching
Ask your partner what connections to outside sources they are thinking about making.
Help each other brainstorm even more ideas.
If we have time, switch partners. Repeat for more ideas and a stronger sense of your own plan.