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How To Do Research

Research Topics

Select a Research Topic

Selecting a research topic may seem simple, but it's easy to pick one that is too broad, over-researched, or un-researchable.

Try selecting an initial research topic that:

  • Meets the assignment requirements
  • Interests you
  • Is appropriate in scope--not too broad or too narrow

Your topic might be too broad if:

broad

  • You get overwhelmed by the number of sources that seem to be relevant for the topic.
  • There are concepts or events that don't fit into your outline.
  • There is too much to write about before you even get to your argument.

How to narrow a topic that is too broad:

  • Identify a specific part of the population that is effected (children, women, the elderly, people in rural states).
  • Examine one specific solution to a problem as a way to present a larger issue.
  • Don't include as much historical background or information leading up to your main issue or argument.

tip iconRESEARCH TIP

If you can find entire books about your topic, chances are it's too much to cover in one paper. Look through the table of contents of books on your topic for ideas about breaking it down into smaller categories and sub-topics.

narrowYour paper might be too narrow if:

  • It can be discussed in great detail in less than the required size of your assignment.
  • You found only 3 or 4 sources relevant to your topic.

How to broaden a topic that is too narrow:

  • Consider related subjects and see if you can widen your parameters to include more aspects.
  • Expand your topic geographically or demographically. For example, instead of focusing on Vermont, try New England. Instead of girls ages 1-3, try toddlers.
  • Choose less specific terms for your search.
  • Widen your focus to look at a bigger topic. For example, instead of Burnout of male nurses in Chicago aged 30 to 40.  Switch the topic to Burnout of nurses in American hospitals.

tip RESEARCH TIP

A topic that is very current may be difficult to research - you can write about very recent events as a topic as long as you bring in the history of the issue to put recent events in context.