Research Guides: Research 101 : Welcome

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Welcome to College-Level Research

College research is challenging. Research at this level requires good time management, planning, sharpened critical thinking, and the right tools.

This guide includes some of the basic tools to help with your research.

Use the "What is...?" tab to find definitions of key research-related terms.
Use the "How to...?" tab for video tutorials and explanations with detailed steps and explanations.

High School vs College Research

Students new to college level research should be prepared to experience these differences in the research process and the assignments and projects they will encounter.

High School	College
Google is the primary research tool	Subscription databases primary research tools
Encyclopedias, books, websites are the primary sources of information	Scholarly sources like articles are the primary sources of information
MLA citation style frequently used	Differing citation styles used across subject areas
Assignments include detailed directions & expectations	Assignment directions and expectations may not be as detailed
Assignments are shorter in length and can be completed in a shorter time	Assignments are lengthier and require more time to complete
Work supervised by teachers who repeatedly check progress and remind about due dates	Less supervision by professors and strict due dates
Less severe penalties for cheating and plagiarism	College wide policies with severe penalties for dishonesty including reduced grades, failing grades, suspension, and/or expulsion
Library collection organized using Dewey Decimal classification	Library collection organized using Library of Congress classification
Less focus on understanding the differences between primary and secondary source materials	Essential students understand the differences between and appropriate use of primary source and secondary source materials