Which term describes generating ideas about the topic before researching?

• A. Brainstorm
• B. Conduct research
• C. Consult other professionals
• D. Do whatever is necessary to make yourself the SME

Answer: (A)

Brainstorming is the process of generating a wide range of ideas about a topic before you start researching. It involves free, open-ended thinking where you jot down possible questions, angles, terms, and hypotheses without judging them. This sparks creativity, helps reveal what you already know, and clarifies what you still need to learn, which in turn shapes your search strategy, keywords, and the scope of your inquiry.

Conducting research describes gathering information and evidence, which comes after you’ve formed initial ideas. Consulting other professionals is seeking guidance and expertise from others, not the act of generating your own ideas first. Doing whatever is necessary to become the SME suggests unethical behavior and isn’t a legitimate method for planning research.