Choose a topic that interests you, one that will help you to learn more about your major and your future career. News sites and magazines are great places for ideas. The following databases will help you to come up with a topic idea and also to narrow that topic down.
Use encyclopedias and other reference tools both online and in print to gain some depth in your topic. Learn about recent developments and see what's important to scholars in your area of interest. The databases linked above can be used for this as well.
Think about what you want to know. Googling "malaria" really doesn't help you when you aren't sure what you need. Think of research as fill in the blanks. For example, some research questions on malaria might be:
When you know what you want, it is easier to know when you have found it. A list a research questions will help you to know when your research is done.
Are there organizations where you might find an expert? This can be difficult to determine, but is well worth the work. Finding an individual or organization knowledgeable about your topic will help you to find the good research faster and write a better paper.
For malaria, you might try Googling malaria organization as a start. Speak with your faculty members and the librarian as well. They may be aware of organizations and individuals that should be at the start of your research.
Use Library databases and the HU Library Catalog to find information on your topic. Visit the other pages in this guide to find books, e-books, and articles that directly relate to your program.