Learning Objectives
After completing this module, you will be able to:
Differentiate between background research and in-depth research
Locate useful sources for conducting background research
Utilize background research to help refine a research topic
In our everyday lives we narrow our research. When deciding on a restaurant for dinner, you may limit your options by food type or by location so your choices are less overwhelming. Similarly, when conducting academic research you may need to narrow your topic to more manageable information.
Click each item's “Access” button to open and view it in a new window. If you are off-campus, you will be taken to the CCAC login page to sign in.
Tutorials will have navigation links across the top that you will use to advance through the pages. They
will look similar to this:
After completing the tutorial, close the browser tab or window to return back to this page.
As you develop your topic, try to construct a statement that is manageable - not too broad, not too narrow!
Text Version of Finding a Balance
Too Broad: Internet access.
Just Right: Because of the economic and regional challenges many citizens face, the United States government must subsidize the infrastructure needed to provide all Americans with free, high-speed internet access, eliminating the digital divide.
Too Narrow: The digital divide in Pittsburgh causes an inequity for students to be successful in school.
