Let's talk about finding information.  But wait.  Before we start our research, we need to know what it is that we are looking for!  Before conducting searches relevant to your topic of interest, it's a good idea to start with some background searching.  

View the video below for some suggested resources for background information.  And, as the video states, background searching isn't about finding sources - it's about finding information.

As the video suggests, Wikipedia and other online encyclopedias are a great place to start gathering some information.  For example, if you decide you want to conduct research on the Tarahumara people living in Mexico (they are famous for their ability to run very long distances), it would help to view the Wikipedia page.  Go on, check it out. And then, check out the below tips for using Wikipedia

Do's

• Find Background Information: Entries and embedded links can be used to generate ideas and learn the terminology associated with your topic.
• Generate Search Terms: Take a look at the embedded links, words in bold, or table of contents. They can help generate search terms to use for searching in library databases.
• Look at the Bibliography: The bottom of the page should list the sources used to compile the entry. They can point you to other resources (sometimes scholarly) on the topic.

Don't Do's

• Cite to Wikipedia: In academic research, you usually never cite to an encyclopedia or other sources of background information.
• Believe Everything: Because the content is user-created, anonymous, and does not have a mandatory review process, there is no guarantee that the information is accurate and credible.

Alternative to Wikipedia