This guide gives you great pointers on the best databases and resources for your field. Don't forget that you can find help on 24/7 live chat at any time of day or night. You can also email the CLA librarian, Brett Bodemer, at bbodemer@calpoly.edu.
1) Think about the scope of your problem: is it local, state, national, or global?
If it crosses several or all of these scales, refine the specific focus to an achievable scope.
2) What, specifically, IS the problem? You cannot just declare that something is a problem. You have to define it and cite credible sources that establishes the main outline of the problem.
3) What are the characteristics of credible sources?
Scroll to the bottom of this page for a VISUAL overview, "Scholarly Vs. Popular Sources".
4) Where can I find credible sources?
Immediately below on this page are some suggestions for finding:
A) Credible articles and books
B) Credible reports
C) Credible data
When exploring a topic and formulating a research question it is important to consult different types of sources as well as points of view. Use this page to be able to identify types of information sources and distinguish between scholarly and popular sources. Your professor may also require a minimum number of sources and types (e.g. peer-reviewed journal articles) that you need to use in your research assignment.