As you consider a possible research topic, set aside some time to learn what people are saying about the topic by reading general sources on the web or in library databases. Such general background sources will help you get the big picture. You might read a Wikipedia entry, the website of a weekly newsmagazine, or a few related blogs to start to develop familiarity with the topic.
Take time to find out not only what has been written about your topic but also what’s missing from the research conversation. Ask yourself questions such as these as you explore a topic:
Once you have an aerial view of the topic and are familiar with some of the existing conversation and issues related to the topic, you can zoom in closer to examine subtopics and debates that look interesting. Then you can seek out more scholarly source material.
Thinking like a researcher
Determining if a source is scholarly
Comparison of a scholarly vs. a popular source
Writing a research proposal
Posing questions worth exploring
Exploring the subject