Lesson 3:
Developing a Strategy

Objectives

Define a Topic

Brainstorm Search Terms

Build a Keyword Search

Resources

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EWU Libraries

Define a Topic

Test Your Topic

It's a good idea to "test" your topic as soon as your given your research assignment. Is your topic doable? Is it too broad or too narrow? Is is going to be difficult to find sources because it's too obscure?

An excellent way to test your topic is by looking it up in an encyclopedia. Encyclopedia entries supply basic information that can be used to focus a broad topic or add to your knowledge about a new subject. Look up your issue in Wikipedia -- far from ideal but an interesting place as any online to get some sense of what the controversies are related to your topic. Wikipedia is far from authoritative, since anyone can write and edit the entries. The library purchases a number of scholarly, subject-specific encyclopedias which are authoritative. For instance, the library has The Encyclopedia of Life Sciences online.

Another way to test your topic is by visiting the Reference Desk in the JFK Library or Riverpoint Campus Library. Talking with a reference librarian early in your research process can save you a lot of time later on!