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Writing Your Research Papers

Background Information

Background Information Will:

  • Get you familiar with your topic (look for good search terms as you read)
  • Let you see the "big picture" (don't miss something really important)
  • Identify different views on the topic (Extra important if you need to compare/contrast/persuade)

Where do I find background information?

  1. Gale Virtual Reference 
  2. Encyclopedia Britannica
  3. Wikipedia - What?! Yes, it's okay to start your research at Wikipedia, just don't end up there. Wikipedia can be edited by anyone, so it is not considered a reputable source.

Develop a Research Topic

Topic Development Tools

How to Create a Concept Map (example from Pennsylvania State University)