What information do I need to answer my question? What information do I need for my research topic?

Now that you have selected a topic for your research it's time to decide on a perspective on which to focus your research. Remember your looking for an issue, an aspect, or a perspective on which to focus your research.

Upon finalizing your research focus you're ready to broaden your information search. To gather this information it is a good idea to review as many sources as possible, including books, magazine articles, online databases and perhaps multimedia resources that may be available for your use. While encyclopedia information is not generally specific enough for research, it may be a good beginning point in understanding current thought on your topic.

As you begin the information gathering process, begin to take some preliminary notes and keep a record of bibliographic information. Note cards work well for this process. Bibliographic information includes information that will allow you to go back and find resources that you want to use in your research.