Once you have selected the topic for your
paper, and have formulated an opinion or argument about
it, it is important to collect as much information as you
can that will be relevant to your paper and to supporting
your argument. Research can appear to be a daunting task,
especially for the student who does not know where to begin.
The most important thing to know is where to find
the information you need. With the amazing growth of the
Internet, it is easier than ever to find a wealth of information
on almost any topic. But, like any kind of research, to
avoid frustration, you need to know where to look
and how to begin your search.
Internet research should never completely
replace library research, and while you are at Rice, you
should be sure to familiarize yourself with the resources
available at Fondren Library. By clicking on the link to
Fondren Library, you will arrive at the
library's home page, where you will find access to Libris
and Webcat, Fondren's online search tools, as well as links
to encyclopedias, dictionaries, other online search tools
in a variety of disciplines, and important services offered
by the library, like book recalling and interlibrary loan.
Please use this page and get to know Fondren's resources.
This will greatly enhance any research topic.
Many topics, especially those that are related
to current issues, are being discussed and documented on
the Internet. There is a world of knowledge, advice, and
help awaiting you on the world wide web, you just need to
know where to begin and how to sort it all out.
The following sites are good places to
start your research using the Internet; they offer useful
advice and guidelines for Internet research:
In addition to online research tools and information,
the Internet is also offering more traditionally book-based
references such as dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other
reference works useful to researching your topic and writing
your paper.
Webster's
Dictionary is always a useful place to turn for spelling
and word usage questions, as well as the Oxford English Dictionary
(OED) which is offered free for all faculty, students, and
staff of Rice through the Fondren home page. The OED offers
definitions and uses of words historically, through their
appearances in literature and culture.
Roget's Thesaurus
is also a useful tool for learning to vary your words and
to find just the right word for your purposes.
The Encyclopedia
Britannica is another useful place to start researching
almost any topic.
The Strunk & White Elements of Style
has guided writers for decades and will answer all of
your style and usage questions, no matter how seemingly
minor.
Are you looking for just the right quotation
to get your meaning across? Try Familiar Quotations, a handy guide to
many popular and useful quotes.
Remember always to cite
your sources!
