Working from a general idea to a research question will help you figure out whether your ideas may be too broad or too narrow. You're aiming for something complex - but not overly complicated!
Reference sources such as encyclopedias, dictionaries, and almanacs are a great place to start your research.
Reference materials contain information we refer to for specific portions rather than for reading in entirety. They include factual information in broad summaries or overviews. In addition, these sources will often introduce specialized terms or vocabulary specific to a field or area of study.
Some of our databases include tools that organize topics and map them with related topics. These tools may help to make connections to new topics, or to narrow a very broad topic into something more focused.
Consider using Credo's Mind Map tool: Or Gale's Topic Finder tool:
Links to library reference ebooks are available on the page Sources by Format / Books for searching by keywords or concepts.
Browsing titles already connected with the theme can also help with topic exploration. Some of these titles contain a section called "List of Entries" so that you can easily skim headings. Remember that tables of contents and indexes are also quick and useful ways to identify terms and concepts as you get started.
