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Introduction to Research Skills: Develop a Research Question

Helpful Tools for Background Research

What is Background Research?

In simplest terms, background research is research completed to better familiarize yourself with a topic. Background research is not the same as research you conduct while writing a paper or working on a project. Background research can help you choose a topic or better understand why your topic fits within existing research. Essentially, background research helps you set a path for later research that you will cite for your project.

Tools for Background Research

Online Resources for Browsing Topic Ideas

Smiley Memorial Library

Central Methodist University
411 Central Methodist Square
Fayette, MO 65248

660-248-6271
library@centralmethodist.edu