Skip to Main Content

Course & Subject Guides

Introduction to Energy Science and Technology - Bradford Campus

A guide of resources and information to help freshman students complete a research paper in Dr. Matthew Kropf's ES 0112: Introduction to Energy Science and Technology Class

The Research Process

  • Develop a topic that asks a question or poses a problem that interests you.
  • Select appropriate search terms for your subject.  Use the worksheet below for help.
    For example
    • renewable energy
    • fossil fuels
    • wind power
    • solar energy
    • water-power
    • geothermal resources
    • sustainable development
    • energy consumption
    • nuclear power
    • energy policy
    • biomass energy
  • Search PittCat and subject oriented databases.
  • Revise your topic. Determine how you will answer your question.
  • Evaluate your resources carefully!
  • When in doubt, contact your librarian.

Need Research Ideas?

Use the mind map below or browse the latest research articles from journals or professional organizations for research ideas.

Critical Thinking Process For Research

Picture of Wheel with Critical Thinking in the middle surrounded by wheel spokes of: 1) Discover + Explore: Look at your topic/issue more closely; start to be more directed and purposeful in seeking information. 2) Negotiate + Cooperate: Consider different perspectives; engage in discussion with others. 3) Test + Revise: Weigh up the evidence, test out different ideas and alternatives. 4) Integrate+ Apply: Bring together the various ideas that you have considered in order to consolidate and articulate new understanding(s), 5) Inform + Describe: Begi nto clarify what you need to know, what you already know, and what information you have about your issue/topic

 

Obtained from the Science is Awesome Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/ScienceIsAwesomeIFLS/