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HIST B1 : World History: Getting Started - The Research Process

Survey of the historical development of different world societies' major economic, intellectual, political, religious, cultural and social ideas and institutions from Paleolithic humanity to the Early Modern Era.

Getting Started - The Research Process

Before research begins, familiarize yourself with the many resources at Bakersfield College Library!  Take a look:  BC Library

Ancient Library of Alexandria

Research 101

Narrowing Your Topics

Developing Search Terms

Picking Your Topic IS Research

Research 101

Narrowing Your Topic

Examples of Narrowing Down Your Topic

Use the last column to help you develop your research question.  

Research Question=the question your paper is trying to answer

Developing a Thesis Statement

Thesis Statement=your answer to your research question; your position on the topic; the main idea of the paper

A well-written thesis statement has two parts:

1.The answer to your research question (your position).
2.Your reasons. 

EXAMPLE:

My research question=  Should smoking be banned in public places?

Supporting Your Thesis

Help with Writing a Paper

Further Topic Narrowing Help