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Suggestions for Finding a Topic
Good topic
selection begins with careful thought about an
assignment.
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Identify the purpose and objectives
of the assignment.
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Choose topics that interest you
personally.
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Phrase the topic as a question.
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Discuss your topic with your class
instructor.
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Discuss your topic ideas with a
reference librarian.
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Set
up a library research consultation
if your project is lengthy.
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Browse through a current periodical:
newspaper, magazine, or professional
journal.
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Use the library's
Topic Finder Page to locate or
find more information on your topic.
Selecting a
Topic
The following questions may be useful in
selecting a research topic:
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Does
the topic meet the requirements of
the assignment?
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Are you and/or others interested in
the topic?
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Is the
topic appropriate for the intended
audience?
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Is the topic timely?
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What
is the scope of the topic?
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Can
the topic be narrowed or broadened?
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Is
there enough information available
about the topic?
(books, articles, Internet
documents)
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What
information types and/or formats of
resources are necessary for the
topic?
How to Narrow or Broaden Your Topic
A
topic that is too broad or too vague will have
too much information. If a topic is too
specific, specialized, or relatively new, it may
be difficult to find enough information. In
this case, you need to broaden your topic idea.
To focus your topic, use the
Exploring a Topic Worksheet.
To
NARROW
your topic, ask yourself the Who, What, When,
Where questions:
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What is the problem? What are the
issues facing the "who" in your
topic - violence, health concerns,
etc.? Is there one particular issue
that is more significant?
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Who is involved? Are those affected
part of a particular age group,
occupation, ethnic group, geographic
location?
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What aspects of the topic interest
you? Can you personally identify
with an issue or problem?
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When did the event/topic take
place? Is this a current issue or a
historical event?
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Where did the topic take place? Was
it in a country, a city, rural or
urban environment, etc.
To
BROADEN
your topic, look for parallels and broader
associations:
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Identify other key players.
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Examine related issues involved in
this topic.
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Explore other similar topics.
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Brainstorm! List every word you can
think of that reminds you of your
topic.
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Create
a
concept map of related issues,
ideas, and subjects.
Ready to venture out and find a topic? Check
out the
Topic Finder.
Updated 4 January 2008 by lmw
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