To better understand (and write about) a research topic, and to effectively search the literature, you should first determine and define the main concepts involved. Find an encyclopedia or Wikipedia entry on that concept (this is called "background reading". Example Wikipedia article on Human Services). You don't normally use this as a source in your academic writing, but it will give you an historical context (how has the thing, theory, or technology evolved over time?, what people, laws and policies are involved?). This will also help you find the correct terminology for searching the scholarly literature. Once you have a handle on your concept(s), you'll be better equipped to search the journal, book and other literature, using the "Search Tools" section to the left.
Search Tools
Search Tip: broad phrases, especially one such as "human services," may not always work when searching because it's an umbrella term. Consider using one or more specific professions or industries within human services instead, such as counseling, "child welfare" or "social work." To find information on stress in human services, try a variety of searches combining stress with names of specific professions. Example: stress and "social work"
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