Background Research and Preliminary Searching

Once you have thought of a couple of possible broad topics, you might want to begin by conducting some background research and doing some preliminary searching.

• Background research helps you to learn some initial information about a topic by:
  • providing context about the topic;
  • providing facts or general information; and
  • providing definitions of key terms and concepts.
• Preliminary searching can help you to learn some different ways that authors have approached your topic.

Doing this type of initial research can help you to:

• determine whether this is a topic that truly interests you;
• understand different ways to approach your topic;
• get ideas about how you might refine your topic into a manageable scope; and
• develop some good keywords to begin searching.

Here are some ways to get started as you explore a topic idea:

• Search using OneSearch Links to an external site..
  • Skim some of the results. What are some different approaches that authors are taking in your topic?
• Use reference works like encyclopedias found in OneSearch.
  • You can search for a variety of reference works in OneSearch by using the filtering options. Search for your topic, look under Resource Type, choose Show More, select Reference Entries, and then click Apply Filters. This will narrow your results to reference sources.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

• Use reference works like encyclopedias Links to an external site. provided by Gale.
  • We subscribe to many databases that offer online reference access to encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks, biographical sources, quotation books, and more.
• Check out a research guide Links to an external site. related to your area of research.
  • Look at some of the sources and suggestions about searching specific disciplines and topics.
• Talk to a librarian.

  • We’re available to help via chat & email or you can schedule an appointment with a librarian (in-person or Zoom). Walk-ins are also welcome in L-200 at the Circulation Desk or Reference Desk on the 2nd floor.

Need Additional Help?

If you need additional help, librarians at Miramar College Library can help you with:

• Finding the best sources
• Searching tips and tricks
• Navigating databases
• Citing sources
• And much more!

We’re available to help via chat & email or you can schedule an appointment with a librarian (in-person or Zoom). Walk-ins are also welcome in L-200 at the Circulation Desk or Reference Desk on the 2nd floor.