Guides Education Policy Background Information

Any research project you work on will be about something, or in other words, you are going to have a topic. In order to write about your topic in a lucid and coherent manner, you are going to need the background of your topic. Background information consists of the relevant facts, terminology, and contexts of your topic. It is the kind of information you would find in an encyclopedia. Let's say that you were going to write a research paper about school violence and ways to address school violence. What do you need to know in order to write about school violence coherently?

You may need to know: Not only do you need to know the above, but you will need to point your audience to an authoritative source that states that information should you use it in your paper - that... For further guidance on background information, check out these pages: The Library's Wikipedia! Search a number of specialized encyclopedias in biography, law, business, substance abuse, multiculturalism, education and more. The library catalog is called Catalyst.

It will search for books, journals and other materials. Note: Limited to 5 simultaneous users. Summary reports on contemporary issues that include an introductory overview; background and chronology on the topic; an assessment of the current situation; tables and maps; pro/con statements from representatives of opposing positions; and bibliographies... Coverage: 1991-present. Hamilton College, 198 College Hill Road, Clinton, NY 13323 • 315-859-4735 • Copyright © 2024 The Trustees of Hamilton College. All rights reserved.

Click on the black arrow to open the chat in a new window. If we're not online, please email us at researchhelp@uri.edu. Please allow 1-2 business days for a response. Not sure how to start your research? Background and reference sources can help you... Reference books and online tools are great for looking up a quick fact, definition, or date, and they can direct you to more sources.

If none of the suggestions on this page fit what you're looking for, try a search in the library catalog (linked below) for your research topic and add "reference", "handbook", "guide", or "companion" to... Don't underestimate the value of reference materials and sources like Wikipedia to help set you up for future research! Get your research questions answered through chat, email, phone, drop in at the Information desk or make an appointment. Reference sources are a great way to start your research. They will help you define key terms, identify important themes and individuals in the field, and find keywords for further searching in catalogs and databases. Reference sources also include bibliographies that will help you identify important primary and secondary works in your subject area.

Select one of the reference source types below to get started. Two recommended places to start your research are Gale Virtual Reference and Credo (see the "Credo, Gale, & Online Encyclopedias" tab). References sources of UMCP can be either in print or electronic. In the area of education, the print Reference Stacks are usually located on the first floor of McKeldin Library; unless the catalog record gives a different location. UMCP Online Resource is available to UMCP faculty, staff and students only. Research helps you join that conversation by learning:

That way you can build on their work and add something new. Background information is information that scholars generally agree on. You can find it in your textbook, or in specialized encyclopedias, handbooks, or general knowledge sources. "My professor told me to use journal articles! Why would I look for information I can't cite in my paper?" Background information will give you a good general idea of what's known on your topic.

PLUS, it uses terms that will help you search for relevant articles! The following resources may be useful as you gather information and plan your policy brief assignment. In them, you will find both examples of policy briefs and research about educational policy. This list is not exhaustive, but it is a great place to start. These guides provide tips on the actual writing of a policy brief. They also explain the difference in method and purpose between academic writing and policy brief writing.

Washington and Lee University Library 204 West Washington Street Lexington, Virginia 24450 library@wlu.edu (540) 458-8643 As you start your research, it can be useful to look at sources like encyclopedias, handbooks, and dictionaries. These are also known as reference sources. They can help you identify or refine a topic for your research, find useful definitions, basic information, or overviews of a specific subject or issue, identify key concepts and researchers in the field, and... UO Libraries has sources like these both online and in print form. Print books are located in Knight Library and are organized by call number.

To find the exact location of print books in Knight Library, click on the link to be taken to the catalog record and click "Locate." This will tell you which floor of the library... These databases let you a search a multidisciplinary collection of reference sources and may be a good place to start if you aren't sure what type of reference source would have information on the... This is a selection of some of the encyclopedias and handbooks the UO Libraries has related to Education. We also have access to many others, both online and in print. Try searching LibrarySearch for additional resources by typing (handbook OR encyclopedia) and the broad topic of your interest. General Early Childhood Education Special Education Curriculum Content Areas Bilingual Education Educational Leadership & Policy Philosophy & Theory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

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