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Step 1: Choose a Broad Topic
Step 1: Choose a Broad Topic
Pick a general area that interests you.
Examples:
Technology
Health
Environment
Education
Step 2: Narrow Your Focus
Step 2: Narrow Your Focus
Think about a smaller part of your topic. Ask yourself:
What am I curious about?
Is there a problem I want to solve or question I want answered?
Example:
Broad topic: Technology
Narrowed focus: The impact of smartphones on teen sleep
Step 3: Use Question Words
Step 3: Use Question Words
Start forming a research question using:
Who – Who is affected?
What – What is happening?
Where – Where does it occur?
When – When does it happen?
Why – Why is it important?
How – How does it work or happen?
Example:
“How does daily smartphone use affect the sleep of high school students?”
Step 4: Make it Researchable
Step 4: Make it Researchable
A good research question is:
Specific – Focused on a clear topic
Clear – Easy to understand
Researchable – You can find evidence in books, articles, or studies. Now is a good time to do a basic check on your topic. If you can find more than 5 good sources, you are on the right track!
Step 4 cont. : Check Your Question
Step 4 cont. : Check Your Question
Ask yourself:
Can I find enough information?
Is it too broad or too narrow?
Will answering it teach me or others something new?
Quick Formula
Quick Formula
How/Why/What + [Topic] + [Specific Focus]?
Example:
“How does social media use affect the sleep patterns of teenagers?”
Step 5: Thesis Statement
Step 5: Thesis Statement
The thesis statement is the anchor of any research paper. It states what the paper is about and gives the reader a sense of direction — like a road map. It is typically the last sentence in your introduction. If written properly, a thesis statement should read like an outline in sentence form.
You have started thinking about the question you want to answer. The answer to that question will become your thesis statement.
Example: “How does social media use affect the sleep patterns of teenagers?” could become "Social media use negatively affects teenagers’ sleep patterns by delaying bedtimes, increasing nighttime awakenings, and reducing overall sleep quality."
Just remember - the answer to your question will be informed by the amount of quality sources you can find that support your claim. If you can't find quality sources to support your thesis, you need to head back to the drawing board and refine your topic.
Make sure your thesis statement follows these four guidelines:
1. It establishes your position on a topic and gives the reader a sense of direction — like a road map.
2. It guides your writing, helping you keep your argument and/or analysis focused.
3. It is an assertion, not a statement of fact or observation. (However, you may use facts in your paper to support your thesis.)
4. It is debatable. Someone should be able to argue an opposing position or support your assertions.
Need some visual inspiration to guide you? Check out this thesis statement handout that can help visually map your process.
Have your question and answer ready to go? Time to start finding sources! Click the button below...
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