Analyzing Your Area of Research
Once you have selected an area to research, the next step is to figure out where your area of research fits in to the existing literature.
1. Is your area of research too broad or too narrow?
- What specific question or questions do you want to answer? What is your hypothesis or hypotheses?
- If your question is too broad you'll be overwhelmed with too much information
- Try limiting your topic by time period, geographic area, or noteworthy individuals
- You may want to explore some subset of your area of research.
- Finding too little information? Your area of research may be too narrow or focused. Try taking a broader view of the area you're investigating.
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Example:
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Development of the calendar-- (too broad for a 10 page paper)
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What role did the calendar play in Mayan culture?--
(this research question could be covered in a 10 page paper)
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2. What disciplines might cover your area of research?
- Search databases and books in each of these areas for differing approaches to the same question.
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Example:
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What role did the calendar play in Mayan culture?
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You might want to look at the literature within the following disciplines:
- Anthropology
- Archaeology
- Folklore
- Mathematics
- Religion
- Art
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2. Dissect your research question into pieces or components.
- Think of all the possible areas you'll want to explore in order to answer your research question. ?
- Use these concepts to search by subject and find material on all aspects of your topic.
| Example: |
- Calendars, time, dates
- Numerology, religious practice, legends, mythology
- Mesoamerica, Mayan, Aztecs, Mexico, Indians
- Sculpture, architecture
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