to break your general subject down into parts.
Think about the aspects of your general subject that you find most interesting.
Now, you’re ready to write your research question or thesis statement.
State your topic in the form of a question. This will make it easier to identify the main concepts.
Search for background information on your general subject.
Use this information to identify key concepts and ideas that you can use as search terms in the library’s databases and catalog.
Create a table and list your key terms or main concepts across the top.
Write synonymous terms under each of the key terms. Databases and catalogs sometimes use different terminologies and you need to be ready to try alternative ways to search.
These worksheets are for brainstorming and developing your topic: