How do I make sure I understand my research assignment?

Look at the assignment and answer these questions.

Have you been assigned a topic or can you choose a topic?
What type of research is needed? Original research (such as survey or experiment) or secondary research (such as research published in books/journal articles)?
Do you need to analyze a topic from different viewpoints, or do you need to take one position and defend it?
Are you required to use a certain number or type of resources in your research?
What is the citation style that your professor would like you to use?
Format/Length: Is there a page limit for the completed assignment? Have formatting guidelines, such as line spacing, numbering, or font size been given?
What is the due date?

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For a more in-depth understanding take a look at chapter 2 of the text Research Like a Librarian.

Look at the assignment and answer these questions.

Have you been assigned a topic or can you choose a topic?
What type of research is needed? Original research (such as survey or experiment) or secondary research (such as research published in books/journal articles)?
Do you need to analyze a topic from different viewpoints, or do you need to take one position and defend it?
Are you required to use a certain number or type of resources in your research?
What is the citation style that your professor would like you to use?
Format/Length: Is there a page limit for the completed assignment? Have formatting guidelines, such as line spacing, numbering, or font size been given?
What is the due date?