ENG152 - Keywords, Searching & Databases

Before you start researching, it’s important to figure out what information you actually need. This will help you select the most suitable sources and save time.

The best place to start is with your assignment instructions. Ask yourself:

• What am I being asked to produce? (For example: an argumentative essay, a research paper, a presentation, etc.)
• What kinds of sources am I required to use? (For example: scholarly articles, books, or sources from the library database.)

Example: If your assignment says:

"Write an argumentative essay with three main points. Use at least one scholarly source from the library database.”

Then your main information needs are:

1. The topic of your essay.
2. Details to support each of your argument points.
3. At least one scholarly source from the library database.

Sometimes, your instructor will outline specific information you must include. For instance, in a Sociology class, you might receive a paper assignment about an urban neighborhood. You could be required to discuss:

• The area’s demographic history
• Economic and social changes over time
• Current community resources
• Challenges and opportunities facing residents.

In this case, each of these becomes part of your information need.

For this session, we’ll use an argumentative essay about food insecurity as our example. In the following sections, you’ll learn how to:

1. Start with a broad research topic.
2. Narrow it down to a focused aspect.
3. Plan a search strategy before diving into databases.
4. Pick the right keywords for searching.
5. Use search strategies and adjust your searches to find the best sources.

Pre-research is the process of exploring and learning about your topic before you dive into in-depth research or start searching databases. It involves getting background information, understanding the basics, and refining your topic or research question. This step is essential for any research project—whether for an English course or any other subject—because it lays the foundation for effective, focused research.

Why is Pre-Research Useful?

• Builds Background Knowledge: Pre-research helps you understand the key facts, context, and main issues related to your topic, answering basic questions like who, what, when, and where.
• Refines Your Topic: By learning more, you can narrow or adjust your topic, making it more manageable and relevant to your assignment.
• Saves Time: Early exploration ensures your topic is viable and enough sources are available, helping you avoid last-minute changes.
• Guides Your Research: Pre-research helps you develop a focused research question, which is crucial for finding relevant sources later.

How to Do Pre-Research:

1. Choose a Topic: Start with a general area of interest.
2. Gather Background Information: To learn the basics, use encyclopedias, Wikipedia (for an overview, not as a final source), or introductory books and articles.
3. Ask Questions: What are the main issues? Who are the key people or groups? What events or debates are important?
4. Refine Your Focus: Narrow your topic and create a research question based on what you learn.

Check for Sources: Make sure enough academic sources are available on your topic.