Questions?
Ask a Librarian!
In Person: Wells Library, Scholars' Commons Reference Desk (East Tower)
Email: libref@indiana.edu
Chat: libraries.indiana.edu/help
Acknowledgement
Thank you to librarian Wade M. Bishop of the Univ. of Toledo for permission to adapt his original guide.
Research as a Conversation
Starting research can be like joining in a conversation with others interested in the same issue. This guide will help you understand the current 'conversation' in your research area. Where is it happening, what's being said (or not said), and who's involved? With this understanding you can better determine how and where you want to be part of the discussion.
- Speaking the same languageIdentify background knowledge and vocabulary common to the topic or discipline.
- What's been said? What's left to say?Learn how certain issues are being discussed (or not discussed). Consider questions that need further exploration.
- Speaking Up!Contribute to the conversation with your ideas.