It depends on what it is... if its a word I look it up in a dictionary. if it is a concept I also look it up .. online thru a quick search on google and wikepidea. If I want more depth I do one of two things (or both) I read about it through books or ask someone who is more knowledgeable.

But it really depends on the topic and usually in todays world I personally liek the sound bite not the full length topic. until I am really interested then I go in depth and when I do I tend to read and read and read different opinions different sources.