Literature Review - 6 Steps to Find Quality Resources

Background information provides you with:

• keywords and search terms for finding more information on your topic.
• foundational knowledge of the theories and themes on that topic.

Pay attention to key authors and researchers writing on your topic.

Encyclopedias are good starting points for gathering background information because they aim to provide a brief overview of big topics such as:

• Virtual teams
• Instructional objectives
• Skinner and operant conditioning
• Or....try a topic of your choice, but be sure to think broadly

Here are two places where you can find background information:

• Look at the reference list and/or in-text citations in the encyclopedia article to find further readings. This is a great starting point to begin your research.
• Also notice the various disciplines (e.g., psychology, education) the scholarship is coming from.
• Noting disciplinary scholarship will give you ideas for subject databases (e.g., PsycInfo, Education Research Complete) to tap when looking for articles during your literature review.
• As you browse, make notes on relevant search terms. Pick up new vocabulary to use in future searches.

Go to the online encyclopedias above (Gale Virtual Reference Library) and search on a topic that interests you, such as "instructional objectives" or "Skinner."

• Did you find anything useful? Be sure to notice useful concepts or keywords to use in future searches.
• Make note of books and articles referenced in the encyclopedias. They might be worth tracking down!