By creating a mind map you now have a better idea of the subject. Then you will go on a broad information search to find out even more. Which trends apply? What do experts say about your subject? What is written about your subject in literature? It can help to formulate a preliminary main question. That question will give more direction to your search process and help you to make choices. Also use these orientation-based searches to expand/complement your search terms with terms you find in the various relevant documents.
The following sources can be handy throughout your orientation phase:
The web
Of course, you know Google. There are, however, more search engines that you can use: Bing, Ecosia and DuckDuckGo , just to name a few. The search engines generate different search results, and there are differences in their privacy policies.
Encyclopaedias and Wikis
Use (online) encyclopaedias and wikis to get an overview of your subject. The source list of an article that you have found can also help you on your way. Wikipedia often offers reliable information, but anyone can post or modify articles. So always check the information and use this source mainly for your orientation phase.
Professionals / lecturers
Get advice from people in your area of expertise, for example your lecturer. Ask for names of leading professionals or important literature and then continue your search yourself.
Trade literature
These are leading publications about one discipline. Examples are manuals and trade journals. You can find these in the librarycatalogue. Are important publications missing? Send a purchase suggestion.
Journals and newspapers
Newspapers and journals provide insight into current subjects and trends.
During the orientation search phase, you will get an increasingly clear understanding of your subject and available information. You may have found out that there is far too much or far too little information available. The next part of the training will give you tips on how to further define your subject.