CMP-120 (Rosenbaum, Fall 2024)
Identify
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First, choose a problem or question that can be addressed using information.
What interests you? What is a suitable topic for your assignment? What is a research question appropriate for the scope of your assignment? Refine your search If you are not finding enough information, your question may be too narrow. Consider broadening it by exploring related issues or expanding the keyword search by using synonyms. If you are finding too much information, your question may be too broad. Consider narrowing it by adding another element to the topic, limit to certain time period, geographic location, or population. |
As you identify keywords related to your topic, it may be helpful to find some background information to gain a good overview and better understanding of the context of your topic.
Conducting some brief background research can help you in finding additional terminology related to your topic, as well as specific events, dates, and names related to your topic.
The Rider University Libraries Reference Research Guide includes print and online references the Libraries provide for general topics and subject specific background information.
Make a list to keep track of keywords related to your topic. Keep it handy and revise as needed as you conduct your research.