SCAD Libraries explode six common myths about advanced research, and provide six helpful services and tools for thesis success.

1. Research Myths and
Research Essentials
for SCAD Graduate Theses

2. Six Research Myths
Exploded
CC image by Flickr
user siameye

3. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #1: I must be
the only person who
has no idea where to
begin or what to even
look for

4. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #1: I must be
the only person who
has no idea where to
begin or what to even
look for
Truth: Everyone
begins research with
uncertainty
CC image by Flickr user gynti_46

5. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #2: I need to get
all of my research
done before I begin
writing

6. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #2: I need to get
all of my research
done before I begin
writing
Truth: Research takes
place throughout the
project – not just at
the beginning
CC image by Flickr user ksbuehler

7. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #3: Once I begin
researching I’m ‘stuck’
with that topic

8. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #3: Once I begin
researching I’m ‘stuck’
with that topic
Truth: It is normal and
okay to make topic
adjustments as you go
along
CC image by Flickr user jurvetson

9. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #4: Somewhere I
will find the perfect
source that will address
all of my research
questions

10. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #4: Somewhere I
will find the perfect
source that will address
all of my research
questions
Truth: Your thesis is a
synthesis of many
different ideas and
sources. It’s up to you
combine them in the
final product.
CC image by Flickr user luc.viatour

11. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #5: I already
know what the
conclusion is, now I
just need a source that
will support it

12. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #5: I already
know what the
conclusion is, now I
just need a source that
will support it
Truth: Research =
learning, exploring as
well as verifying
CC image by Flickr user semuthutan

13. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #6: There is
nothing you can’t find
as long as you look
hard enough

14. Six Research Myths Exploded
Myth #6: There is
nothing you can’t find
as long as you look
hard enough
Truth: Not everything
has been documented
(or is accessible)
CC image by Flickr user Stiwwe

15. Six Essentials for
Easing Research
Stress
CC image by Flickr
user Lori_NY

16. Essentials for Easing Research Stress
Reference Librarians
“Ask A Librarian” for
quick help
Research consultations
by appointment
Refresh your skills with
online workshops and
research guides
CC image by Flickr user cvitko_belas

17. Essentials for Easing Research Stress
Start Early and Plan
Ahead
When it comes to
research, better to take
many small sips rather
than a huge gulp!
CC image by Flickr user Taras Kalapun

18. Essentials for Easing Research Stress
Use a Variety of
Materials
Your core sources
should be scholarly…
…but don’t limit
yourself to only
scholarly research
CC image by Flickr user Lisa_L

19. Essentials for Easing Research Stress
Expand Beyond SCAD
Libraries
Worldcat
Google Books
Google Scholar
InterLibrary Loan
CC image by Flickr user flatcap2009

20. Essentials for Easing Research Stress
Stay Focused and
Organized
Useful apps and tools:
Zotero and Mendeley
Freedom and AntiSocial
Assignment Calculators
CC image by Flickr user namaa

21. Essentials for Easing Research Stress
It’s up to you to be
Flexible
Creative
Persistent
CC image by Flickr user Tjng~

22. Questions?
Ask A Librarian!
ref@scad.edu / library.scad.edu
Links, tools, and more tips:
http://scad.libguides.com/gradstudents