Finding a Topic

The Research ProcessSelects a narrow aspect

of broad topic to research

Develops a research question

Conducts research to answer question Writes research

paper

Identifies a broad topic of interest

Step 1. Identifying a broad topic of interest

Are there specific topic requirements from instructor?

EXPLOREExplore topics that interest you…

Surf the webBrainstorm ideas your instructor, a librarian or a friend.

Browse current issue databases like Opposing Viewpoints or CQ Researcher

Print collection, magazines, newspapers, reference books.

Current Issues Database

Broad topics• Global Warming• Body Image• Cybercrime

Step 2. Narrowing your topic

Global

Warming

Animal

Extinction

Polar Bear Population

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

Reference DatabaseReference Collection

in Print

Other resources

• Your textbook• Google/Wikipedia• Talk to someone

knowledgeable about the topic

BACKGROUND INFORMATION• Basic foundational information (who, what, when, where,

how)• Identify subtopics, helping you to focus (narrow) the broad

topic you have chosen. • Background sources do not necessarily make it into the final

version of a research paper. Instead, they are a starting point for further development.