When I begin the research process I like to start generally and work my way into more specific questions. I start with a broad, over reaching question and then I create sub questions that fit along with bigger picture. I bet you’re thinking “where do you come up with the big picture question if you don’t know anything about the topic?” My answer is Wikipedia. Yes, I know it’s not an “official source,” but it is a useful tool that provides insight and background on your topic, kind of like a launching pad if you will. The references from Wikipedia can then be used a starting point for research.
Wikipedia, a launching pad for ideas
It is also important to consider the rhetorical situation when evaluating a source. In the article, “BEAM: A Rhetorical Vocabulary” it explains that we should take thins into account rather than just categorizing sources as primary and secondary based on our own rankings. This will help us to become better at analyzing sources and becoming experts at using them effectively. Using rhetorical terms in research will help writers organize their research in a better way. It will also help writers determine if they actually need that source to fit their argument.