HIST 026: Wild, Wild West

Use the tabs in this guide to:

• Learn strategies for evaluating information
• Find interdisciplinary and subject specific sources and how to cite them
• "Geek out" on library resources

Research can be fun and exciting as you expand your knowledge and learn new things, but it can also be frustrating and messy. The Research Process is a way to manage your research so that it does not overwhelm you. Important points to remember are:

• The research process is iterative, not linear! For example, as you progress in your research, your topic may change or narrow in scope.
• Writing is a part of the process and is usually the deliverable, but it is also an important tool to use when brainstorming a topic and when synthesizing the resources you have found.

Brainstorming keywords and concepts related to your topic can be helpful.  Consider using University of Arizona's free mind mapping tool linked below.

Primary sources, which originate at the time of an event, are published first.  Secondary sources analyze primary sources and are published later.  Tertiary sources bring together various sources.  Research draws upon primary and secondary sources.  The infographic provides some examples and details of each source type.