3 Steps to Begin Successful Research
- Learn about a possible topic, the 5 W's: Who, What, When, Where, Why. You should be able to talk for a minute, without repeating yourself, on your possible topic. Try using background resources.
- Find an interesting question — not too easy, not too fuzzy, not too many parts, not too impossible. Should require analysis and thought.
- List 2–3 main sub questions you'll have to research to answer your main question.
Background Resources
- Opposing Viewpoints in Context – The premier online resource covering all sides of contemporary social issues.
- CQ Researcher – Explores important issues ranging from social and teen issues to environment, health, education and science and technology. Try the "Browse tab" then select Climate, environment issues.
- ProCon.org
- AllSides
- Search@UW – Search the catalog and limit your items to reference entries using filters.
- Consensus – Great for initial topic exploration with quick summaries to get started. Pull out keywords to use in the library catalog and databases.
KEY REMINDERS for Ethical Generative AI Use
1. AI is a Brainstorming Tool, Not a Writing Substitute
Use AI to spark ideas, explore topics, or clarify confusing concepts—but write in your own voice.
🔍 Professors value original thinking. Use AI to support—not replace—it.
2. Always Fact-Check and Verify Sources
AI can provide inaccurate information or fake citations. Always check sources using library databases or trusted websites.
📚 Good research comes from good sources.
3. Be Transparent About How You Used AI
If AI is allowed, be honest about how you used it—brainstorming, outlining, grammar checks, etc.
💬 When in doubt, include a short note or ask your professor.
4. Don’t Use AI to Write Final Drafts
AI often lacks nuance, analysis, and depth. Overuse can weaken your work and cross ethical lines.
✏️ Writing is thinking. Don’t skip the learning process.
5. Know Your Instructor’s Expectations
Some professors allow limited AI use, others don’t at all. Check the syllabus or ask directly. Additional AI tools and guidance.
Sample Prompt to use with Consensus to Generate a list of Engaging Topics:
I’m a college student writing a research paper for a writing and research class. Suggest several engaging and specific research topics
related to [course subject or general theme, such as technology and society, sustainability, or popular culture] that would work
well for a college writing assignment. The final researched argument essay Will be interdisciplinary, offering an original argument
meant to add to the conversation surrounding at least two of the following three signature questions:
How do people understand and engage in community life?
How do people understand and bridge cultural differences?
How do people understand and create a more sustainable world?
For each topic, include a short explanation of why it could make a strong and researchable paper idea. Include a few key questions
for each topic I might investigate and mention what kinds of evidence or sources could support each one. Each question should require
analytical analysis and for the researcher to ultimately take a position on a contentious and timely topic.
Identifying Keywords
Prompt example for Consensus or co-pilot to help building search terms.
I’m getting ready to search for credible sources for my topic or research question: [insert your research topic or question]. Suggest useful keywords and synonyms I could use to search academic databases or library catalogs effectively. Present them in an
easy-to-scan list or table. Using some of the concepts above, present an easy to use sample search string that would be useful in a database.
Disciplinary Research Databases
