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Steps in the Research Process: 2. Find Background Information

Research Tips

Use bibliographies. The sources cited at the end of an encyclopedia article are great starting points for research later on. Most books and articles have a bibliography. Using these lists allows you to search databases for known items and quickly generate many resources. 

Finding Background Information

  • Now that you've chosen a main topic for your paper, you can begin finding sources for background information.
  • During this step, you will not be looking for in-depth information.
  • Background information should just give you a simple understanding of your topic without going into great detail.

A good way to start: answer questions like who, what, when, where, and only briefly touch on why and how. You may be tempted to skip this step in the process, but it is an important one because it can:

  • Familiarize you with a new subject area if you are unfamiliar with it. 
  • Help you determine how much or how little information is available on the topic.
  • Help you decide from what angle to approach your topic.
  • Lead you to common research themes already established. 
  • Help you identify experts and prominent researchers in the field.
  • Lead you to research questions to answer later in the research process.

Common Reference Sources

To find background information, select a few key terms from the topic and search for information in reference sources. The most common reference sources are encyclopedias and dictionaries, which are available both in print and online (see below). 

Other great sources to look for background information are textbooks​, handbooks, periodicals, databases, and websites.

Gale Reference

Search 500+ online Reference books.

Credo Reference

Search 500+ online Reference books.

Web Sources for Research and Writing Help