Starting your research

Choosing an interesting research topic is your first challenge. Here are some tips:

• Choose a topic that you are interested in! The research process is more relevant if you care about your topic.
• Narrow your topic to something manageable.
  • If your topic is too broad, you will find too much information and not be able to focus.
  • Background reading can help you choose and limit the scope of your topic. 
• Review the guidelines on topic selection outlined in your assignment.  Ask your professor for suggestions.
• Refer to lecture notes and required texts to refresh your knowledge of the course and assignment.
• Talk about research ideas with a friend.  S/he may be able to help focus your topic by discussing issues that didn't occur to you at first.
• Think of the who, what, when, where and why questions:
  • WHY did you choose the topic?  What interests you about it?  Do you have an opinion about the issues involved?
  • WHO are the information providers on this topic?  Who might publish information about it?  Who is affected by the topic?  Do you know of organizations or institutions affiliated with the topic?
  • WHAT are the major questions for this topic?  Is there a debate about the topic?  Are there a range of issues and viewpoints to consider?
  • WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or international level?  Are there specific places affected by the topic?
  • WHEN is/was your topic important?  Is it a current event or an historical issue?  Do you want to compare your topic by time periods?

Truly have no ideas?  Try looking at some lists of possibilities.  Finding an encyclopedia focused on your general area and looking at the lists of entries.  That encyclopedia can be an idea generator AND get you some background information at the same time.  Some databases also provide lists of topics or subject terms that can jog your brain at the same time leading to good information.  Try the following:

• Opposing Viewpoints in Context.  This database has an extensive A-Z list of current social issues and provides pro and con arguments; we've linked to their issues list.
• Gale eBooks.  This database has hundreds of encyclopedias and we've linked to their subject guide search.