Developing a Topic

Choose a topic of appropriate size and interest to you, determine keywords/search terms and develop a thesis or central focus.

KEEP IN MIND: 

• If it is too broad there will be too much information, but if it is too narrow you will not find enough information.

• If too broad then concentrate on subtopics like groups involved, areas of affected, time periods covered, etc.

• If too narrow then concentrate on broader implications, historical effects, new innovations, similar or related topics.

• If a topic is very new, you may not be able to find very much printed information on it.

CONSIDER:

• What do you know about the topic? What do you want to learn about the topic?

• Think about the best words to use when searching. You may need to use a variety of words when searching. A list of related words and/or phrases for researching.

• What types of information sources will be best for this topic (print books, databases, newspapers, television/radio transcripts, personal interviews, websites, etc.)?

  • ​Wikipedia: Least Reliable Source, OR IS IT?

• Consider library databases versus web search engines

• What interests me about this topic?

• What do I already know about this topic?

• What kind of background information would give me an overview of my topic?

• Do I know enough my topic to ask good questions?

• Am I still interested in my topic?

• What do I expect to find?

• Will my question(s) lead me to answer that will fulfill my assignment or purpose for research?

Suggestions for creating a successful research project.

Try a KWL chart to help get you started.

Thesis:

Create a strong thesis statement, from the knowledge of your topic collected by research and notes.

Think about your opinions and observations of the subject. This will help you connect ideas in a unique way, and perhaps reveal an idea you have yet to consider.