Research Guides: IDST400 Challenges for the 21st Century: Background research

Background research

Spend a little time doing background research on your ideas. This small investment of your time will help you select a better topic and choose better sources for your research.

Some questions to ask yourself...

Is this topic idea too narrow or too broad? How can I modify my idea?
Are their other terms the experts use to describe my topic that I should use in my own research?
Do I fully understand what I've chosen to research?
Are there important people associated with this topic, either as inventors, theorists, or authors of whom I should be aware?

Some resources available at the BVU Library to help you do some background research include...

Credo Reference This link opens in a new window
Credo Reference provides access to a large number of encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauri and other reference books. Subjects covered include art, biography, history, literature, music, religion, and science and technology.

Opposing Viewpoints In Context This link opens in a new window
Opposing Viewpoints in Context supports virtually any curricular need. Its informed, differing views present each side of an issue and help students develop critical thinking skills and draw their own conclusions. Exclusive Viewpoint pages bring balance and perspective to every controversy using targeted arguments from recognized subject-matter experts and top journalistic sources.

The goal with this step is not adding to your list of references. The goal is to become better acquainted with your topic because the experts aren't writing for you, they are writing for other experts. You may need to do some preparation before you fully understand what they are writing about.