Background information helps you learn about aspects of a topic that might interest you. Even if your professor has assigned you a specific topic, reading background information can help you understand it better. You may need to narrow the topic or decide how to focus within your paper.
Find background information in reference sources like subject encyclopedias, handbooks and dictionaries. They provide basic information and broad overviews of a wide variety of topics.
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Research Skills & Tips:
To choose a research topic, begin with general background information. This will help you explore topics of interest, develop research questions and search terms, and decide where to look for sources.
