Background Research Finding Background Information All Guides At

Leo Migdal

-Dec 7, 2025, 10:51 PM

background research finding background information all guides at

Before you begin a research project, it can be a good idea to compile background information on your topic. Background information can provide: Explore the library's research guides for even more resources. Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery . University of Maryland, Baltimore County .

1000 Hilltop Circle . Baltimore MD 21250 Library staff resources | Site Search | aok@umbc.edu | 410-455-2232 Once you have identified some keywords, the next step is to find background information on your topic. Background research: If you can't find an encyclopedia, dictionary or textbook article on your topic, try using broader keywords or ask a reference librarian for help.

For example, if your topic is "global warming," consider searching for an encyclopedia on the environment. Video Summary This tutorial explains how to use Wikipedia as an exploratory tool and where it can appropriately fit in the research process. Created by Michael Baird, Cooperative Library Instruction Project (CLIP) Complete source files and other tutorials are available at the project website: http://www.clipinfolit.org Once you have identified keywords, the next step is to find background information on your topic. Background research is the exploratory research that you do before you start writing your paper or even finding the sources you'll cite.

The purpose of background research is to set you up for success with a refined research question and knowledge about the context of your topic. Some reasons to do background research include: Determining an appropriate scope for your research Contextualizing your topic in the broader conversation, both scholarly and popular Identifying experts and other important perspectives Here's one strategy for developing a research topic once you have a broad topic in mind:

The topic development process will help you to develop your thesis, which is essentially your proposed answer to your research question. You will then be ready to use the sources you've found, and find more sources in order to support that thesis, or to answer your research question. Imagine the universe of information available on a given topic as water escaping from a firehose. You can use the 5W Criteria to help make the flow more manageable. What is my question? Your research question is different than your topic.

For example, your topic might be racial profiling in law enforcement and its impact on racism. However, your research question might be something like: how do racial profiling and law enforcement influence racism? So think about what is your main argument? Does racial profiling affect racism or not? In what ways do racial profiling and law enforcement influence racism? You may also want to try browsing our Research Guides.

If you can't find an encyclopedia, dictionary, article, etc. on your topic, try using some broader keywords. For example, if your topic is about "sea turtles", consider searching for a book or encyclopedia on ocean life. Oftentimes, books with broader topics can have specific chapters on the information you are looking for! Once you have identified some keywords, the next step is to find background information on your topic. Background info serves many purposes including:

Wikipedia can be a great tool for beginning research and gathering background information. However, users must remain cautious and remember to check other sources to ensure the information is correct and credible. Background research helps you understand your research question fully and makes searching easier. This page will take about 5-10 minutes. The video and text content cover the same information. It’s important to learn basic information about your topic before you decide to commit to it and before you can develop a strong research question.

Pick something that will hold your interest throughout the assignment. Once you have a general idea for a topic, see if there’s an in-depth report in CQ Researcher or an issue page in SIRS Researcher (linked below). Our online reference sources and free online encyclopedias can provide helpful overviews of a topic. Textbooks provide excellent background research as well. Tip: Take notes during your background research. Jot down terms you might use or authors you might want to explore.

Learn about specific terms used in this tutorial on the Definition of Terms page. Once you have identified some keywords, the next step is to find background information on your topic. Background research: Our research guides will guide you to the appropriate sources based on the subject of your topic. Reference databases that may be helpful for any topic are listed below. Click the Logo to Make An Appointment with a Librarian

Need someone to talk to directly? Click the icon below to chat with a librarian. When in doubt, feel free to email us if chat isn't available. library@mga.edu Once you have identified some key terminology, the next step is to find background information on your topic. Background research serves many purposes.

Click here to learn more about background information and why it is so important to successful research. These sources are often listed on the Find Books or Find Articles tabs of our research guides.

Background Research Finding Background Information All Guides At

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