Sometimes you need more information about a topic before you can effectively start searching for information. Searching encyclopedias can help you find that information.
However, at this stage in your academic career, your professor is likely to frown upon any use of Wikipedia in your scholarly work. Instead, use an encyclopedia, such as Britannica Academic Edition, which is considered scholarly since the information has gone through a rigorous review process.
Britannica Academic Edition is included on the Database A-Z list.