Northern Kentucky University

" Research is all about finding answers to an intriguing question or sets of questions."

Bonnie L. Tensen

At this first stage of research, a student will need to:

• Write out his or her research question

Want a librarian to teach this and other competencies to your students? Visit our Library Instruction page!

Concept Mapping

A concept map is a diagram showing relationships between ideas. It is useful in research because it labels synonyms (useful when searching) and determining what information is needed and where it might be located.

Example: If a student is writing about immigration, listing immigration law on a concept map indicates that he or she may need to examine a government document.

Creating Concept Maps

• Web apps: These free online applications allow students to make concept maps:
  • App directory: http://www.shambles.net/pages/school/mindmaps/
  • Bubble: http://bubbl.us/
  • Freemind: http://freemind.sourceforge.net/wiki/index.php/Main_Page
• Creating a concept map by hand:
  • List the main idea in the center.
  • Determine the who, what, when, and where.
    • The how and why will be what crafts your research question.
  • Draw lines to main ideas answering the Who, What, and When.
  • Draw lines to connect synonyms to the main idea.
    • Example: Green Energy. Synonyms include: clean energy; renewable energy; solar energy; wind energy.
  • Separate the How and Why. Use those to help define research question.
    • Example: Why is Green Energy vital for the US economy?
  • Help: Utah State University: http://library.usu.edu/instruct/tutorials/cm/CMinstruction2.htm

Application Example

A student has been asked about Alexander Hamilton and the Federalist Papers. At this step of the research process, she will need to determine:

• What background information she needs
• What information she doesn't have
• What kind of information does she need - scholarly or nonacademic

Classroom Activities

Below are activities you can use in your classroom to show your students how to pick and define topics.

• Learning Styles Inventory (link to external web page)
• Student Research Self-Analysis
• Finding a Topic
• Research Plan

Library Tutorials

These tutorials are on the library web page and can be accessed at any time.

• How to Find a Research Topic
• Choose a Research Topic & Establish a Research Plan

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to Ask Steely Library!

Questions or comments about these pages can be directed to Ellie Jones.