How to Research: A Tutorial

Databases to find overview articles and factual information

These databases can be used to find articles that give an overview of a topic.

CQ Researcher
This database provides an in-depth overview article about a different topic each week. The articles are very detailed and can give you ideas for a research question or a focus if your topic is still too general. You can search all of the past articles that have been featured.
Points of View Reference Center
In this database you can search for a specific topic or browse by categories.

If you are unsure what to write about, start by browsing the categories until you find something that interests you.

The overview articles give general, factual information. The Point and Counterpoint articles argue different sides of a controversial issue.
Facts on File
The Facts on File databases offer more than just articles. In addition to topic overviews, you will find biographies, images and videos, timelines, maps and charts, and primary sources.

These articles will often give you the history of an issue, factual information like statistics or a timeline, and/or the pros and cons of an issue.

Primary sources are original documents detailing first hand accounts of an event. Eyewitness accounts, newspaper articles from the event, diaries and letters, and court rulings are examples of primary sources.