General study guidance only. Always follow your university’s required approach and brief.
Start with a clear question
Write your research question in one sentence, then list its key concepts. Those concepts become your search terms. Keep a note of synonyms and related terms you try.
Search, then judge
Use your library catalogue and databases, not only general web search. For each source, ask: is it relevant, current enough, credible, and does it actually support the point you want to make?
Organise as you go
Keep a simple table of sources, key findings and full reference details. Group sources by theme rather than listing them one by one, and note gaps where you still need evidence.
For personal help, see Research and Literature-Search Guidance.