A topic is a broad subject area, like mathematics instruction.
To formulate a research question from a topic, ask yourself, who or what am I interested in studying or learning more about, what specifically about the topic interests me, in what geographic location, etc. Consider the who, what, where, why, when and how line of questioning.
A good research question should:
A research question related to mathematics instruction could be, "What is current best practice for differentiated mathematics instruction in grades 4-6 in Ontario classrooms?"
Pull out the important concepts from your research question to use as keywords, for example, math, differentiated instruction, grades 4-6, Ontario.
Try using different terms and looking in different places to find more results. For example, differentiated instruction or differentiated learning and grades 4-6 or junior. Look in Omni or search a database like Education Source. Check Google Scholar to find resources from Queen's, other repositories and beyond.
Omni has a basic search and an advanced search screen that allows you to add search boxes and combine concepts. You may search Queen's Library or Queen's and Omni Libraries to view and request materials from other Ontario university libraries using the same catalog.
Advanced Search in Omni
If you are searching for an exact item you may change the search field to search by author, title, ISSN, ISBN, etc.
For an exact title you may search by contains exact phrase rather than by contains which searches for the words in any order.
Combine keywords using AND, OR, NOT from the dropdown. AND requires all the search terms to be found in each of the results, OR looks for the search terms separately, and NOT excludes results with matching search terms.
Use a ? to search for single letter differences in spelling, such as typing wom?n to look for women or woman.
Use a * to search for different endings of a word, such as math* for math, mathematics, mathematical.
Further limit your results by resource type (articles, books and eBooks, theses & dissertations, etc.) and or year of publication.
Source |
What is it? |
When to use it? |
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scholarly journal Example: |
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for academic research |
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magazine or newspaper Example: |
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for current topics |
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trade publication Example: |
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to stay up-to-date in a field |
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academic book or eBook Example: |
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for academic research when it relates to your research question |
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encyclopedias & dictionaries |
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for an overview or definition |
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government documents Example: |
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for information specific to a province, state, country, time period, etc. |
The sources that you choose to include in your research should meet certain guidelines. Here are some common criteria for you to determine whether a source is suitable for your needs.
