How to do Research for a History Essay
Go to Resource: SFCC Library History Guide
Guide Link: https://bit.ly/SFCCPNWHistory Links to an external site.
Step 1: Topic Development
Video: The Research Process & Topic Development
SFCC Library Pacific Northwest Guide: https://bit.ly/SFCCPNWHistory Links to an external site.
Research as a Process: Step-by-Step
College research can be an emotional process that requires time and strategy. If you can clearly recognize where you are in that process, how to approach becoming familiar with your assignment, and topic selection you’ll be well on your way to being a critical and creative researcher.
Click on each of the plus symbols (+) below to learn about each phase of the research process. To exit each phase just click in the box outside of the white shaded area, you don't have to click the (x) in the right-hand corner.
Transcript
Links to an external site.of the image below, detailing the steps of Research as a Process. You can also print the document for your personal use.
To view the hyperlinks in each section below right-click then open the link in a new tab.
Please note, since research is a process you may flip back and forth between steps. For instance, if you pre-search your topic and can't find much information, you'll need to go back to the topic selection phase and rework your topic before settling on an appropriate and workable final product.
Step 2: Narrow Your Topic (Don't skip: This is the most important part of the research process)
Video: Research Question Development
This video will give you guidance on how to take a topic and narrow it down to a research question. This example uses a history topic as an example but the strategy provided in the video is good for ANY TOPIC.
Example: Topic Brainstorming & Research Question Development
Click here for a Google Doc of the "Research Question Development" Links to an external site. worksheet, printable if you have print capabilities at home.
Transcript for image above, "Research Question Development Example Links to an external site.."
Step 3: Strategically Use Different Source Types
Video: Source Types
The Key to Good Historical Research: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary Source Types
Video: Intrinsic and Extrinsic Sources