Doing Background Research
When you start a research project, background research can help you:
- Understand the size and scope of a potential topic
- If your topic is too broad, finding articles that directly address your interests will be challenging
- If your topic is too narrow, you may not find enough research
- Find subtopics that interest you
- This will help you focus your research question
- Learn key terminology for the topic
- Identify influential researchers and articles about the topic
- Discover highly-cited sources about the topic
Resources for Background Research
A general online search (Google!) is often a good place to start to find background information about your topic. While searching, considering the terminology used to discuss the topic -- you may need these terms when we search later. Also consider searching:
- Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
This link opens in a new window
Search for short articles from subject-specific encyclopedias and dictionaries. - Lippincott Advisor This link opens in a new windowEvidence-based content for practicing nurses providing access to online references at the point of care.
Additional Resources
- Video: Exploring Your Research TopicSome sources offer a broad scope on a topic, while others offer a narrow scope. Learn how you can effectively use broad and narrow scope sources at different points in your research process.
- Video: Analyzing Source PerspectiveEven while you're exploring and developing your topic, it's important to consider the perspective a source brings to your research. Learn three strategies for analyzing the perspective of a source.