Research Tools: Brainstorm
Generate and organize ideas to help explore a research question, develop a project plan, or start writing. Brainstorming can be done alone or with others using tools like mind maps, sticky notes, or digital apps.
Note: Tools with an asterisk (*) utilize some form of AI (artificial intelligence). Please consult your class syllabus or professor before using these tools.
FreeMind
Java-based mind mapping software for organizing thoughts, ideas, and notes.
Type: Mind Mapping
Access: Free
Where Can I Access It?: Must be installed on personal computer
Availability: Desktop
Skill Level: Basic
Potential Use Cases: Students and researchers outlining papers, brainstorming, or planning projects.
ChatGPT*
AI chatbot capable of answering questions, generating content, and assisting with brainstorming.
Type: Large Language Model
Access: Free
Where Can I Access It?: From personal computer or any campus computer lab
Availability: Web-based
Skill Level: Basic
Potential Use Cases: All academic users exploring or drafting content, automating tasks, coding help.
Draw.io
A free and secure online platform for creating diagrams that can be integrated with Microsoft, Google, and other software suites.
Type: Mind Mapping
Access: Free
Where Can I Access It?: From personal computer or any campus computer lab
Availability: Web-based and Desktop
Skill Level: Basic
Potential Use Cases: Creating flow charts and diagrams
CitationChaser
Automates forward and backward citation chasing using DOIs.
Type: Discovery Tool
Access: Free
Where Can I Access It?: From personal computer or any campus computer lab
Availability: Web-based
Skill Level: Intermediate
Potential Use Cases: Supports systematic reviews and comprehensive literature searches.
Noteey
An infinite canvas for organizing thoughts, linking to articles and research, and creating collections of your resources.
Type: Mind Mapping
Access: Free
Where Can I Access It?: Must be installed on personal computer
Availability: Desktop
Skill Level: Basic
Potential Use Cases: Students and researchers brainstorming, visually organizing various media sources, or creating mind maps.
ResearchRabbit*
A free online platform that utilizes citation analysis powered by artificial intelligence.
Type: Discovery Tool
Access: Free
Where Can I Access It?: From personal computer or any campus computer lab
Availability: Web-based
Skill Level: Basic
Potential Use Cases: Students conducting literature reviews, researchers looking to save time finding similar publications.
LSU Resources
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Research Consultations with LibrariansConnect with a subject librarian for specialized research assistance.
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Information Literacy TutorialsTutorials covering how to develop a research topic, identify and evaluate sources, and ethical use of information.
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How to Find ArticlesLSU Library's guide to finding relevant information sources.
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Research StrategiesLSU Library libguide on choosing a topic for research.
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AI Resources and Suggestions for StudentsLSU Library Libguide on using artificial intelligence to help with brainstorming.
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Database AccessLSU Library provides access to over 300 academic databases.
Further Resources
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The Creative Thinking Handbook
by
ISBN: 9781398607064Publication Date: 2022-09-27Creativity directly impacts results and productivity, yet few of us understand how it happens or how to put it into practice. This book shows you not only how to get things done, but how to do them better and more creatively. -
A More Beautiful Question
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ISBN: 9781632861054Publication Date: 2016-11-03Questioning-deeply, imaginatively, "beautifully"-can help us identify and solve problems, come up with ideas, and pursue fresh opportunities. But in an education and business culture devised to reward rote answers, questioning isn't encouraged-and, in fact, is sometimes barely tolerated. A More Beautiful Question champions that impulse for inquiry. -
Mind Map Mastery
by
ISBN: 9781786781413Publication Date: 2018-03-13Discover how you can use mind mapping to get organized, improve your memory, plan your business strategy, and much more. -
Writing Workflows: Beyond Word Processing
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ISBN: 9780472127269Publication Date: 2020Through a type of reflection that the authors call "workflow thinking," writers can look at their processes and ask how tools shape their habits—and how a change in tools might offer new ways of thinking and writing.
