Choosing a topic to write about and defining the parameters of your research are two of the most challenging and important aspects of the research process.
- Start with a broad topic area. Often, this is already decided for you by the professor.
- Focus on a specific problem. Explore relationships between variables, compare groups, often starting with "How," "Why," "What," or "To what extent," and focus on researchable, analytical questions, rather than merely descriptive ones.
- The topic should be one you can research sufficiently in the time allowed, and that your professor deems suitable for your assignment.
- Look for three or four key concepts that define your topic.
- Use these concepts to gather background information by consulting encyclopedias. You may discover additional keywords that accurately reflect your concepts.
- Build on that basic information by researching your topic in book and journal databases.
- Use the Refine tools built into the databases to help guide you, such as subject headings, date, gender, ethnicity, and other relevant criteria.
- Ensure you use research sources that meet the professor’s requirements, such as books, peer-reviewed journal articles, government information, etc.
- You can schedule a consultation with a librarian to guide you through this process and demonstrate the available resources. Contact us.