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PSYCH 122 - Research Methods

Use this guide to complete your Psychology 122 research assignment

Start With Background Reading

Research begins by learning basic facts about your topic and what others are saying about it

Preliminary reading -- sometimes called background reading -- allows researchers/writers to familiarize themselves with existing information, current research, and various viewpoints concerning their chosen topic. This type of inquiry helps evaluate the viability of topics as well as refine or narrow broad topics into a manageable focus. To be clear, preliminary reading isn't about finding your sources -- though you may find some along the way -- as much as it is about finding your ideas. 

Use these databases to start exploring your topic

Database content is free for MJC students, faculty, and staff. If you are away from campus, simply log in just like you do for your MJC email or Canvas.


Create Research Questions

Research is All About Exploration

Sometimes we are exploring ideas, sometimes we are exploring current issues, sometimes we are exploring the lives of people or the repercussions of events.  Asking questions is the key to this exploration.

Think of research questions as a grocery list designed to guide you through a huge “store” of information. This list will allow you to efficiently locate and retrieve the most relevant knowledge possible to support your thesis, prevent you from getting off track as you sift through large quantities of information, and even help keep you organized as you begin writing. Your list of questions may change and/or expand as your research progresses.

Research Questions Help You

  • Outline the "flow of your paper: beginning, middle, and end
  • Create targeted search queries to quickly find the most useful sources
  • Track the sources you've found vs. those sources you still need to find

Examples of Research Questions


Introductory Questions (help you introduce your topic)

  • What is __________________?
  • What are the different types of _______________?
  • Why is _________________ an important issue?
  • What background information is necessary to understand _____________?

Body Questions (help you create your analysis)

  • What causes __________________?
  • What are the effects of __________________?
  • What are the arguments FOR _______________?
  • What are the arguments AGAINST ________________?
  • Who is affected by ______________?
  • What is being done about _________________?

Concluding Questions (help you sum up your findings)

  • Based on my research, what do I think about __________ and why?
  • Based on my research, I argue _____________ about _________ for the following reasons.
  • Based on my research, what should be done about ____________ and why?