Undergraduate Library Research

Research topics are often formed from a vague or general idea. Background information is used for providing definitions, historical background, or context, and for enlarging your initial idea. Begin with Gale Virtual Reference Library to quickly locate information on your topic or to help you focus your topic idea.

Conducting Background Research (1:06) is an important part of the overall research process. This quick video will give you tips on how to go about this part of the process.

Once you have selected an initial topic, the next step is to develop research questions. To begin:

• Write down what you already know or don't know about the topic.
• Using the information you wrote down, develop questions you'd like to answer when doing your research.
  • Use probing questions such as why? how? what if? should?
  • Avoid questions that can be answered with yes or no.

The one minute video below provides more tips.

It may be useful to create a concept map (also known as a mind map) while brainstorming for research topic ideas. A concept map is just a visual representation of information. See examples and tips on concept mapping below.

Carnegie Mellon University Libraries: Concept Mapping and Brainstorming

UWM Libraries: Research Planning