The Research Process: 1d. Find Background Information

Background information can be found in:

• textbooks
• dictionaries
• general encyclopedias
• subject-specific encyclopedias  
• article databases

Once you have identified some keywords, the next step is to find background information on your topic. Background research:

• Provides a good overview of the topic if you are unfamiliar with it.
• Helps identify important facts -- terminology, dates, events, history, organizations, etc.
• Can help refine your topic.
• Leads to bibliographies which provide additional sources of information.