Using Background Info

Gain good, grounded background info on your topic. 

Tip: start with your broad topic area and short simple search words
(stroke, amniocentesis, insulin injections, traumatic brain injury geriatrics)

Choose one scenario below and practice constructing a search from that scenario:

1. What are some occupational therapy considerations for children with autism?
2. How might occupational therapists help with the physical impairments that patients of traumatic brain injury face?
3. What should occupational therapists be aware of when treating veterans with PTSD?
4. Create your own scenario!

An overview of your broad topic area grounds you in essential knowledge.  This will then help you springboard to more detailed, complex research.  Read background info to gain a better understanding of the following:

• what the key issues are and how you may want to refine your topic
• who are the stakeholders (the groups or individuals this topic concerns)
• a context of how your topic relates to the other issues that surround it
• a historical perspective on your topic
• specialized vocabulary or search words that are used in your field (you will use these words for searches later in your research process)