This box lives at How To Do Research > The Research Process > Background Research
It is included on the in the Background Research page of the Research Process Canvas Module
Wikipedia
Nohat (concept by Paullusmagnus). Wikipedia Logo. CC BY-SA 3.0. theinstantmatrix. Wikipedia Meme. CC-BA-SA 4.0
It’s helpful to begin by reading a Wikipedia article to get an overview of your topic. As you read, note:
- Historical and global context
- Keywords and terminology
- People and organizations
- Dates
- Theories
- Sources in references and footnotes
Can I Use Wikipedia?
Yes! Wikipedia and other encyclopedias are great tools for background research.
Once you've gained a better understanding of your topic, you can begin searching for scholarly sources that would be suitable to cite in a research assignment.
This box lives at How To Do Research > The Research Process >Background Research
It is included on the in the Background Research page of the Research Process Canvas Module
Sources of Background Information
Additional sources of background information include:
- Bibliographies
- Table of contents in books
- Databases such as Gale Opposing Viewpoints and Credo Reference
Background information databases can be accessed from the Background Information page (available from the VSCS Libraries homepage under the More Source Types section).
Where Are We?
We are at step three of the research process: background research.
- Read an overview of your topic--such as a Wikipedia article--to become familiar with your topic.
- Jot down useful information:
- Historical & global context
- Keywords & terms
- Names, dates, and facts
- Sources from references and footnotes
