Suggested Research Steps

This site is meant to provide a starting point for undergraduate students in Chicano & Latino Studies using the CSULB, University Library and the Internet.  The research process does not always proceed in a linear fashion as outlined below.  Often student researchers must repeat steps to achieve the desired outcome.

Phase 1

• Create a clear research statement

• Identify keywords and synonyms

• Write out your search strategy

  • Use a Search Worksheet

  • Use Boolean Operators – “and” “or" "not

                           Phase 2

• Choose Resources

• ALWAYS START with REFERENCE sources, i.e. Dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, handbooks

• PAPER REFERENCE SOURCES – University Library, 1^st floor West

• ELECTRONIC REFERENCE SOURCES – Research Guides

• Books (print) – Use COAST

• Books (electronic) - Use NetLibrary

• Articles (Journals, Magazines, Newspapers) – Use Research Databases   

• Internet – Chicano & Latino Studies Research Guide

Phase 3

• Conduct research

• Mark, download or e-mail resources and/or bibliographic cites

• Locate print resources in University Library

• Link + or Inter-library Loan needed material

Phase 4

• Cite bibliographic references using appropriate style manual.