Consulting resources in this order makes sense:
Reference Sources - this is where the most general information is located and is a good place to get background on a particular topic. Be sure to check the bibliography or suggestions for further reading at the end of the articles you read -- they often lead you to other places where your topic is being discussed.
Books - more specific than reference material and usually focusing on one topic.
Articles - focus on a particular aspect of a topic. This is also where the newest information on a topic can be found.
Some things to remember about research:
- Research takes time!
- Research is reading.
- Research is not necessarily linear.
- In the early stages of research, keep an open mind!
- Research builds on other research.
- Research looks different in different disciplines.