SS-Research-Getting+Started


 * Homework: Watch this Video and Take Notes **

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 * Step One: Get Started **

1. **Make sure you understand your research assignment.**

Start a journal or notebook and begin jotting notes about not only "what" you plan to do but also "how" you plan to do it.

2. **Brainstorm Possible Topics** Start with a broad topic of interest to you. What do you already know about your topic? What else about your topic would you like to know?

3. **Presearch!**

After choosing a topic, you will need to locate introductory sources that give basic background information about the subject. Finding background information at the beginning of your research is especially important if you are unfamiliar with the subject area, or not sure from what angle to approach your topic.

Some of the information that a background search can provide includes:


 * // Broad overview of the subject-clear enough that you understand it //
 * // Definitions of the topic //
 * // Introduction to key issues //
 * // Names of people who are authorities in the subject field //
 * // Major dates and events //
 * // Keywords and subject-specific vocabulary terms that can be used for database searches //
 * // Bibliographies that lead to additional resource //
 * These will be good categories for your initial note-taking. **

If you cannot find an overview, your topic might be too narrow. See a teacher or librarian for help.

Good databases for exploring a topic:

 * World History: Ancient & Medieval Eras (ABC-Clio) - up to 1500 (go to "Eras" tab)
 * World History: The Modern Era (ABC-Clio)- 1500 ->
 * World History in Context (Gale)
 * World Book Encyclopedia
 * [|Encyclopedia Britannica]
 * Biography In Context (Gale) (if you are researching a person)


 * 4. Print your overview article and mark it up - notes, highlighting, etc. **
 * Pay attention to the table of contents, headings and subheadings, index, and bibliography. They will help you develop research questions and a list of keywords.
 * Take notes on what interests you
 * If you are not sure about what to highlight or take notes on, try some of the categories listed in italics above under Step 3- Presearch. Think about what interests you about this topic. What is your purpose for research?