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Library Research - The Basics

Explore your Topic, and Focus your Research Questions

  • Early in the research process, you may have a broad topic, or a broad research question, in mind.
  • This is to be expected in the earliest stages of research.
  • Your early research questions may be fuzzy and unfocused.  
  • After you begin to learn about the topic, you can clarify your research questions.

"Starting Point" Databases
(For Topical Exploration and Background Information) 

Encyclopedias
(for Topical Exploration & Background Information)

National Newspapers
(for Topical Exploration & Background Information)

Tips for Clarifying your Research Questions

  • Clarifying your research questions means that you will find specific aspects of the topic to focus on.
  • To help clarify your research questions, consider asking questions like:

    • Which specific aspect of this topic do I want to write about?
      (Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?)
    • What is the public debate associated with this topic?  What stances are people taking?  What is my stance?  Do people who disagree with me have any valid points?
    • Why is this topic important?