Philosophy & Strategy for Christian Ministries (CMI 421)

Once you have your research question(s) and topic, it is important to find sources to build your background information:

• Tertiary sources (dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc.) are very helpful in building your background knowledge of a topic.
• Background knowledge means taking note of the specialized vocabulary, people, places, and dates associated with the topic.
• This knowledge is how you will best build relevant keyword and subject searches.

The research process is emotional and cyclical!

• At the beginning you might feel excitement about your topic or uncertainty in your abilities or a little bit of both.
• During the process you will have highs and lows, successes and frustrations, as you search for sources and really dig into the material.
• The highs and lows will come and go throughout the process—this is all perfectly normal.
• Even at the end, especially of a big project that you have spent a lot of time on, you might be excited to be finished, nervous about your grade, or a bit unsure of what do to with all your free time.
• It's all normal!