Understanding the background of your topic can be immensely helpful to the search process. It can also help to narrow and focus your topic.

Consult the Encyclopedia of Social Work available in the Buhl Social Work Collection on the first floor of Hillman Library.

• Select a population that interests your group. Make sure everyone agrees.
• Select appropriate search terms for your subject. More specific search terms will yield better results. Some examples of broad topics that can be further narrowed down include:
  • Aging or Elderly Population
  • Criminal Justice
  • Foster Care
• Search PittCat and subject oriented databases.
• Revise your topic. Determine how you will answer your question.
• Evaluate your resources carefully!
• When in doubt, contact your librarian, Arif Jamal.

These sample worksheet will help you refine your research topic.