it's all about collecting basic information that you have found through secondary sources. like using internet, magazine, newspaper and so on. it should give you a basic information and give you knowledge on your irp topic. for example, if you are researching about parents forcing children to do sports, you find some articles or factual information on parents forcing children to do sports to support your understanding of the topic better and have basic knowledge before you actually start your own research (i.e. proceeding your reseach methodology do come up with the answer).