Pre-research

Before you begin, you need to have some general knowledge about your topic, a "framework" on which your brain can hang new information you will be learning. Look for **overviews** of your topic, **key issues**, & **vocabulary terms**. Note how your topic relates to other topics. Look for an aspect of the topic that arouses your curiosity, grabs your attention, or suggests a question you might like to research. Determine if your topic is too broad or too narrow for the time you have and the length of the assignment.
 * What is Pre-research? **

**Never** use these sources for actual research & works cited in your paper!
 * What are some examples of general sources? **
 * "Overview" articles in databases
 * General encyclopedias such as // Wikipedia, World Book, Britannica, // & // Grolier Online //
 * Websites

**Subtopics** are the main points you will be discussing in your paper or project. Look for **main questions**, **important ideas**, **crucial issues**, & **key terms** as you read background material.
 * How do I find subtopics? **

**What is my Research Question? **