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1.
Select a Topic
2.
Find Background Information
3.
Identify Search Terms
4.
Know What Types of Sources You Need to Find
5.
Search for Sources of Information
6.
Evaluate Your Sources
7.
Cite Your Sources |
This important step helps you build a solid foundation
and framework for your research project. Background sources
provide an overview of the various issues surrounding your topic,
and they give you ideas for developing your topic. Here are
two useful background sources:
- Subject encyclopedias. The library has subject encyclopedias
on a multitude of topics (e.g., The Encyclopedia of Applied
Ethics). Subject authorities who write articles in these
encyclopedias have included important references at the end
of the articles. You may use these references to jumpstart your
research. Ask a librarian for help in locating a relevant encyclopedia.
You also can search the library
catalog using your topic as one keyword and encyclopedia
as your second keyword.
- General textbooks. Many times, the introductory
chapter in textbooks and general books provides a topic overview.
Search the library
catalog to locate books in the library on your topic.
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