Before you get started researching, you want to make sure you have a full understanding of your assignment. This will prevent headaches and frustrations down the line. So make sure you make note of and understanding the following:
- Deadline: When is the paper or project due? Are there any drafts due or bibliographical components due before the final product? Knowing the deadline will help you plan ahead and avoid any last minute rushing.
- Scope: Is there a communicated scope to what subject matter the paper can cover? This will be important to know when you start thinking about a topic.
- Type of Paper: Is the paper meant to be informative? Argumentative? Comparing or contrasting points-of-view? Understand not only what you are allowed to cover in your paper, but also how you are expected to cover it.
- Length: The length of a paper will help determine how in-depth you can go into a topic and might help you determine what it is you want to cover or have time to cover properly.
- Sources: Professors often have a certain source requirement in terms of how many sources you will need and what kind of sources are acceptable. Make sure you are paying attention to this requirement for when you start your research.
- Citations: What is the citation style you are expected to use? Capturing the citation for sources in the right style upfront will save some headaches later on. The citation style is also important to know in formatting your paper.
