Lakeland College Japan Library
Research Project PlanningWorksheet

Fill in the blanks, and then print this worksheet when you are finished.

Research Assignment:

(e.g. a 10 page research paper on a post-Civil War American History topic)

Source Requirements:

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 books
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 articles
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 other:

Defining your Topic:

Decide on a question or thesis statement that you will be able to research and write on in the required time and assigned length. Consult an encyclopedia to understand some of the debatable issues on your topic and to narrow and focus your question. Consult with your instructor to make sure she agrees that your topic is focused and managable.

(e.g. Is the United States an Empire?)

Subject Keywords: make a list of the keywords that will be useful for searching databases

(e.g. United States & imperialism & foreign policy & foreign relations)

Broad Keywords: sometimes it is necessary to find materials on your subject in a source that has a broader focus. For example you may find useful information about the automobile industry in a book on the subject of transportation.

(e.g. neo-colonialism & empire & imperialism)

Narrow and Related Keywords: you may find useful information in a book or article about a narrower or more specific topic. For example, you may find useful information about the automobile industry in a book about Toyota. Likewise, related keywords may find relevant materials: an article about global warming could have information useful to your study of current trends in the automobile industry.

(e.g. Monroe Doctrine &World Bank & underdevelopment & militarism)

To identify the important terms on your subject use dictionaries, special encyclopedias, or a textbook specializing in your subject area. Ask the librarian for help in locating one for your topic. It may also be helpful to look in the Library of Congress Subject Headings (available at the Library desk) to help generate your list of related terms. As you search you will find other terms that can be added to your list of keywords.

After you have a well defined and focused topic and a list of possible keywords you are ready to begin searching. For a checklist of databases to search see the Finding Materials for your Reasearch Worksheet.

Some Useful Sources for Planning Research:

MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers 6th ed. at the Library Desk

The Modern Researcher 5th ed. 001.432 B296m

Research Methods: a Process of Inquiry 001.42 G785r

Writing the Research Paper: a Handbook 4th ed. 808.02 W775w


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