LibGuides: Economics Semester Research Project: PreSearch

Assignment

Brooklyn Public Library Virtual Resources
Whether you are exploring family history, want to learn a new skill, or are researching a school project, BPL's free digital resources and databases can help.
Wikipedia
Use it to get a broad understanding and identify key events, concepts, and historical context. This is a good starting point, but avoid citing it directly.
YouTube
Watch videos from reputable educational channels like CrashCourse, Khan Academy, PBS NewsHour, or Vox to quickly grasp complex topics. Many of these videos present information in an engaging and simplified manner, often summarizing key events, economic theories, and government policies in short, digestible formats. Make sure to use trusted sources to ensure accuracy.

Britannica High School This link opens in a new window Britannica Encyclopedia for High Schoolers

Action: Take note of major events, policies, dates, and figures relevant to your topic.

When reading scholarly articles, news pieces, or academic websites, take note of the sources they cite. These can lead you to more detailed or original research materials.
Look for books, official reports, and studies referenced by authors to deepen your understanding of your topic.

Action: Compile a list of sources cited by experts and researchers to follow up with more detailed research.

After getting a basic understanding, outline key questions to guide further research. For example, if you’re researching the 2008 financial crisis, ask:
- What specific government policies failed?
- What was the economic impact on different groups (e.g., middle class, businesses)?
- How did the crisis influence future government economic policy?

Action: Formulate 3-5 guiding questions based on what you've learned so far. This will help you refine your deeper research.