When doing research, you must find balance between too much or not enough information, and between information relating to the topic at hand and that which is peripheral. As you progress in your research, your topic will become narrower and fewer items will be relevant.
You need to determine whether the book discusses your specific topic or if it simply contains some of the same words and phrases. Scanning the chapter titles and the book's index can also help you decide if the work will meet your research needs.
If you were researching the impact of race on rock & roll in the 1950's, you might come across these books:
 Published by: Broadway Books 2002 |
 Published by: University of Illinois Press 2000 |
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A Girls' Guide to Elvis, though entertaining, discusses Elvis' relationships, wardrobe and food, and may not be relevant to your research needs.
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Race, Rock and Elvis contains the chapter heading, "Rock 'n' roll, race, and Elvis Presley : Southern youth in dissent?" And may prove beneficial to your research process. |