When to Use a Background Source
Starting Research
Background research can give you a general understanding of a topic. Your research also may bring up important questions about a subject that you can use to begin deeper research.
Benefits
Benefits of background research:
- Helps you understand your topic before you begin targeted research.
- Gain familiarity with the terminology used.
- Get an idea of how much information is available on your topic.
- Identifies unresolved issues, controversies, and places where knowledge is incomplete.
In other words, conducting background research will help you identify anything that can lead to interesting questions about the topic that might lead to solid research questions.
Adapted from Credo InfoLit Core Tutorial: Background Research Tips
Video Instructions
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Recommended Background Resources
Search online in Library Search to begin your search. Get a start on your research question, look for related search terms, and find more resources in the bibliographies of reference articles to help further your research.
Online Reference Sources:
- AccessScience (Online McGraw-Hill Encyclopedia of Science & Technology)
- Oxford Reference Online
- Scientific American
- Credo Reference