Define your topic

Background sources such as encyclopedias, reference databases, your textbook, or course materials and notes can assist you in defining your topic. Your topic should not be too broad or too narrow, and should be flexible enough to expand or contract as needed.

Answer the following to define your topic:

1. What broad subject area(s) does your topic fall under? Art? Education? Social Sciences? Science? Business? Literature? Other? Determining the broad subject area for your topic will help you select and search sources.

2 . List what you know about your topic - the who, what, when, where, why and how - by making a list of people, keywords, concepts, etc. that are relevant to your topic.

3. What is your thesis statement or research question? What would you like to find out about your topic?

TIP: If you're having trouble answering any of the above, then that's a good indication you need to find background information in order to put your topic into perspective and gather basic facts. Online sources such as the library reference databases or free web sites such as Refdesk (take a look at their Site Map) can help. Of course, if you visit a local library you can find a wealth of information sources in their reference section!

Devise a search strategy >