Background Research

🎯 Objectives

In this learning module, you will explore strategies and resources that will help you conduct background research.

Background Research

Background research is simply using reliable sources to learn about your topic. Don’t be afraid to take the time to learn more about your topic and start thinking about what aspects of the topic you want to focus your research and writing on.

It is important to note that just because you have selected a research topic doesn’t mean that your topic is set in stone. Anytime during the research process, you can make changes to the topic of your paper.

Have fun learning more about your topic of interest. Below are some helpful resources to use when conducting background research. Choose at least two of the below options to read through.

Background Research Resources

Wikipedia

Click through the following four slides to learn how to best use Wikipedia.

Download a transcript version of the slides here.

Opposing Viewpoints (Gale)

The Opposing Viewpoints database by Gale might be one of the most helpful resources for you as you research. Watch this video to get acquainted. (You’ll be glad you know how to use it.)

The Opposing Viewpoints database can help you understand many of the perspectives of current issues being discussed by people today.

Opposing Viewpoints Video

Download a transcript of the video here.

Pew Research Center

Pew Research Center is a great non-partisan resource for finding data on public opinion and demographic trends. Its findings are available free to the public.

Like many of the other databases, Pew Research has filters that allow you to narrow your search results. You can narrow it by date, type of source, region, and more.

Screenshot of the results page when searching 'nuclear energy' on the Pew Research Example. On the top of the page, it says "Search Results For: nuclear energy." There are several sources listed such as "Tech is (just) a tool" or "Concern over climate and the environment predominates among these publics."

Google

Google can be a great resource when conducting background research about a topic.

Evaluate Sources

Not all information that you find on Google will be true. Make sure to focus on the most reliable sources. Some of the best sources may be found on the first page of search results, but don't forget that there are often other great results past the first page.

Use Relevant Keywords

Don't ask Google questions. Instead, focus on using keywords that reflect the aspects of the topic you want to learn more about. Doing this will help you find more helpful sources.

Avoid Bias

Make sure to avoid using keyphrases that are biased. For example, if you type “minimum wage problems,” Google tries to give you sources that say minimum wage is a problem. A strong bias is likely already built into the sources you see. Similarly, even though the terms “illegal aliens” and “immigrants” are getting at a similar concept, searching one term over the other will lead you to very different results.

So when using Google:

Be mindful of the keywords you use to search
Be critical of the sources Google provides you with
Look past the first page 😀

❗Note: There is not a hard-fast rule that each of these resources can only be used for either background or scholarly research. You may find that some of the resources listed can be used for both.