Look up your broad topic in an encyclopedia -- in print or online. You will learn more about the topic and gather some jargon or terminology to help in your searching.

Find a book about your broad topic, read the introductory materials to learn more, and come up with ideas for a better focus.

When gathering background information, consider if the source you need is general or subject-specific.

For basic background information, a general encyclopedia (e.g., WorldBook) or a book about social sciences in general may work for you.

But for gaining more in-depth information or for identifying specific terminology used within a subject, a subject-specific source will be more useful.

The Encyclopedia of Entomology will tell you more about ticks than the Encyclopedia Britannica.