Choosing a topic can be one of the most difficult parts of the research process. Remember that research is fluid; your topic will adapt, and even completely change, as you do your research!
This short video [3:11] from North Carolina State University gives some great advice on choosing a research topic.
When you don't know much about your topic, or even if you think you do, start your research by getting background information. This means use Google, and Wikipedia, and encyclopedias. You should never cite these sources, or use them as primary sources of information. Use them to guide you through your research and to help you get a basic understanding of your topic.
Limit your results to a specific site, or type of site by using site:
Use quotation marks " " around phrases or titles.
Mark important words with a +
Eliminate resutls with a -
Limit your results by file type by using filetype:
Broaden your search
See the GoogleGuide for more tips.
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