Communication Research: Where to Begin?

(NOTE: For public speaking and rhetoric resources, please review the Public Speaking and Rhetoric research guide.)

Since the field of Communication is interdisciplinary, covering areas in business, psychology, sociology, even public policy and the arts, it may be difficult to decide where or how to start research.  A few tips:

• Review the online guide Where Do I Start?.  It's an overview on how to develop your topic as well as fin d the books and articles you need for your paper or assignment.

• Make sure you have an ODIN login and password. You'll need it to access the online research databases and journals off-campus.  Live on-campus?  No worries!  If you're using the campus networks, you'll be automatically connected.

• Download Zotero or register for EndNote Web to help you collect your citations needed for your bibliography.  If you collect and store your citations while doing research, you'll save yourself a lot of time and grief when it comes time to write your paper.

• Search for topics in the library's reference materials, specifically our encyclopedias and dictionaries.  The entries are short, providing quick but accurate overviews on subjects.  Additionally, they include further readings (books or articles) if you're interested in reading more on the subject. 

• Search by keyword or subject in WorldCat or the PSU Library catalog, Vikat, for books and other resources.  You may want to review a list of suggested Library of Congress subject headings for beginning search terms and strategies.

• Search Annual Reviews Online or review articles in Communication Yearbook (print only, 3rd floor, P87 .C5974).  Both cover and review trends and research for various years. Invaluable if you want to learn what is the latest in communications research.  

• Visit the library reference desk on the second floor of the library or make an appointment with a librarian.  We can help you find materials to help focus your research.