How do I start searching for information?

Once you have reviewed your assignment and developed a starting research question, it is time to begin looking for information.

Your research question is likely to change a bit as you start searching and reading materials. That is part of the process and is actually a good thing.

If you need to learn more about your topic, begin by looking for background information. Go to library-provided encyclopedias, Wikipedia, or Google and use some of your keywords to search. Take notes and make sure to list any new keywords that you come across.
If you are ready to look for articles, go to a general database like Academic Search Ultimate or Google Scholar and search using your keywords. Take notes and make sure to list any new keywords that you come across.
Once you have looked for background information (if you need it) and done an initial search, scan through your resources and consider how you may want to revise your question as well as any new keywords that you want to use and then begin your next iteration of searching.

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How do I start searching for information?

Question and Answer

How do I start searching for information?

Once you have reviewed your assignment and developed a starting research question, it is time to begin looking for information.

Your research question is likely to change a bit as you start searching and reading materials. That is part of the process and is actually a good thing.

If you need to learn more about your topic, begin by looking for background information. Go to library-provided encyclopedias, Wikipedia, or Google and use some of your keywords to search. Take notes and make sure to list any new keywords that you come across.
If you are ready to look for articles, go to a general database like Academic Search Ultimate or Google Scholar and search using your keywords. Take notes and make sure to list any new keywords that you come across.
Once you have looked for background information (if you need it) and done an initial search, scan through your resources and consider how you may want to revise your question as well as any new keywords that you want to use and then begin your next iteration of searching.