Sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint what it is that isn't working out in your topic. If you feel like you're stuck and are not sure how to move forward:

1.  Complete the below free write activity to help gauge where you are.

2. Read about the Elements of Thought below to narrow down how to move forward.

The Elements of Thought are a tool to help you focus your writing through fleshing out the logical foundation of your paper. Each element helps you understand your topic better by establishing your thesis and supporting points. 

To do this read through your above free write one more time and write down any elements you haven't thought through yet. You can go back to the website and hovering over each element use the questions to guide your thinking. Go around the circle and answer how your topic addresses each element.

Watch the below video to see an example of moving through the Elements of Thought if you are having trouble using them to guide your research process.

Analyzing Topic X

• What is the purpose of X? What are it's main goals or objectives?

• What are the main questions being addressed within X? What are the main problems addressed?

• What are the main assumptions being made about X? What is being taken for granted within X?

• What are the implications and consequences of X? What follows from it logically?

• What are the main concepts within X? How are the key terms for those concepts understood or defined within X? What do those terms mean?

• What conclusions are being drawn about or within X? What interpretations are being given? What inferences are being made?

• What are the major points of view about X? What different frames of reference or different perspectives on X need to be considered?

• What is the context or background of X?

Having answered those questions, write out common themes and start drafting an outline. As you develop your research strategy, or if you are already in the process of researching, remember that research, like the elements of thought circle, is an iterative cycle. You can always come back to the elements of thought if you are unclear about an article and apply them to the article as a way of discerning how the article can relate to your research topic. 

For more research help you can use the resources on the next page and also fill out a brief questionnaire to reflect on what you have learned.