Finding a Research Topic
So how do you find a research topic? Unfortunately there’s no directory of topics that you pick from (unless your instructor has provided a list for you!) There are, however, a few easy techniques that you can use to find a relevant and manageable topic.
- Brainstorming
Begin thinking about the type of research you would like to do. Use listing, concept maps, freewriting, or journalists' questions to help you discover what topics you'd be interested in writing about. Remember, even seemingly silly ideas can lead you to relevant new topic areas and research questions.
- Exploring the Internet
Start with one of your broad topic ideas and conduct a search in Google or another search engine to see if there is recent information on that topic. Use keywords such as: trending news or trending topics, recent research, controversial issues, policy debates, and other relevant terms to locate recent news.
- Exploring background information
Reference eBooks and articles often give that broad subject overview and mention specific theories, researchers, or topic areas that you may want to pursue further. When you discover articles in your topic area, skim through the full-text for their Discussion, Conclusion or Future Research sections. These sections will highlight new research questions that the study raised, tangential research questions, or questions that have been around for a long time but have not yet been answered.
- Narrowing/broadening your topic
If your research is coming back with thousands of results but do not seem to be connected beyond one keyword you may have a topic that is too broad in scope. Consider limiting your research to one aspect of a topic. If your research is getting you too few results you may have to rethink your topic into broader terms.
Other Tips
Focus on your Criteria
Once you have your list of potential topics, it is time to hone in on which you will use for your paper. Consider items interesting and relevant to the subject matter. Ask yourself:
- Is this relevant to your assignment?
- Is this relevant to the course?
- Is it interesting?
- Are the similarities and/or differences important enough to write about?
Relevancy and interest are key aspects of any paper. If you are writing about the book The Hobbit for your English class, a paper that discusses the topography of the Shire may not be appropriate. Similarly, if writing a paper on the ethics of modern day immigration control then researching the history of Ellis Island may be inappropriate. Remember, the paper you are writing should be one that wouldn’t bore you to read.
Finding Keywords
Pull Keywords directly from your research topic! You can find the words that are most important to your research by choosing words from within your research topic.
Sample Topic: Why is there unsafe levels of lead being found in drinking water distribution systems in the United States?
Sample Keywords: Water distribution systems, United States, lead content in water
Sample Topic: What causes United States high school students to graduate without basic money management skills?
Sample Keywords: money management, United States education, high school graduates
Don't forget!! You can always use subject terms and keywords found in any database articles.
Keep it Interesting
It is important to choose a topic that will be interesting to you. You will be spending many weeks researching this topic so it has to be something that drives you to find answers and continue writing. Remember, if you are bored writing your paper, your reader will be bored reading it.
Know Your Limits
Always make sure to check your assignment page for suitable topics. If your instructor has given you a list to choose from, do not stray from those topics unless you've received prior permission.
If your instructor has given you a broad range (e.g. "Write a paper on any major historic event in the past 100 years.") take the time to browse the library's available resources to help narrow your topic. While an obscure or popular topic may be fun to write about, if the resources are not available when you need them, your paper will not have the sources you need.