Create a Search Strategy

Since you have already done some background research on your general topic, you can now create a search strategy.

• If you have not already done so, list key concepts and key words related to your topic. Keep adding to your lists of words, phrases, people, and concepts that are related to your topic. Also list different ways to state the same word or concept (for example, "Middle Ages" and "Medieval"). This will help you search for sources about different aspects of your topic, so you won't find the same information over and over in every sources.
• Keep a list of questions you want to answer about your topic. This will help you search for focused and relevant sources, rather than only general information. Brainstorm sub-questions that will help you answer your main topic question. Write down what you know and what you still need to know. This will help you search for information to answer these questions.
• Identify Relevant Material. What kind of information do you need to answer your research questions? You may need facts, opinions, research studies, statistics, interviews, history, news reports, pictures, evidence from social media, etc.
• Once you have a general idea of the kids of information you need, you can brainstorm a list of possible sources.
• Keep in mind that a variety of sources will produce a balanced and more interesting paper. Don't rely too much on one source.

Resource: Search Strategy: Keywords, Questions, Types of Sources

Resource: Effective Search Strategies