Research Companion

The ability to do research is a crucial skill in technical communication. In this Research Companion, we have collected in one place all the research tools mentioned in the book. Here you will find easy access to powerful Internet search engines, online libraries, online reference tools, encyclopedias, dictionaries, and thesauri. You will also find links to Websites that offer advice on doing research.

• Internet Search Engines—Find the best search engine for your project.
  • Helpful Tools for Doing Research
  • Internet Search Engines
  • Websites that Search for People
  • More Tools for Doing Electronic Research
  • Help with Internet Research
  • Search Engine Tips
  
  
• Online Libraries—Locate electronic books, magazines, maps, and images.
  • More Tools for Doing Electronic Research
  • Catalog of U.S. Publications
  • Other Great Sources of Information
  • Internet Sites for Mapping
  • Free Icons and Clip Art
  • Lists of E-Zines and Similar Websites
  
  
• Online Reference Tools—Use dictionaries, encyclopedias, almanacs, thesauri.
  • Helpful Tools for Doing Research
  • Online Writing Centers and Labs
  • Online Dictionaries
  • Dictionaries for Particular Fields
  • Samples of Glossaries
  • Online Dictionaries
  • Word of the Day
  • Word Origins
  • Technical Dictionaries that Offer Word Histories
  • Sample Glossaries
  
  
• Research Strategies—Learn helpful tips about doing research.
  • Helpful Tools for Doing Research
  • Search Engine Tips
  • Refining Hypotheses
  • Research Methodologies
  • More Tools for Doing Electronic Research
  • Empirical Research Methods
  • Qualitative Research Methods
  • Scientific Method
  • Note-Taking Strategies
  • Help Evaluating Electronic Sources
  • More Help on Researching a Subject
  • Information about Legal Issues and Research
  • Websites for Article Research