How much do I already know about my topic?
What general information do I need to learn about my topic in order to begin my in-depth research?
How can I narrow down my general research topic into a more manageable topic?
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Important terms that will assist you in locating resources for your topic; in a search engine these are the words that the search engine will look for in a source |
| Brainstorming | Taking time to get all of your ideas down on paper about topics that you are interested in, and how these topics can be narrowed down to create a manageable topic. This can be a collaborative process, and done with the assistance of reference materials, teachers, and friends. Creating a brainstorming map or chart is a great strategy for narrowing down a topic. |
| Reference Sources | These are background articles about a topic. They share the basic information and facts about a topic, and can be helpful when creating keyword lists and brainstorming. They are usually found in Encyclopedias and reference books that offer general overviews on a topic. |
Strategies from Virginia Tech Library:
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