Research Mindset Tip
Topics and research questions develop over time. When you're starting out, choose an idea or topic that both interests you AND that fits the parameters of your assignment. Then, as you search for information and even as you begin writing your early drafts, you'll find your topic will refine, refocus, and sometimes change entirely. Know that research is an open-ended exploration and that your ideas and thoughts might (and should, probably) certainly change along the way.
Develop Your Topic
Before you develop your research topic or question, you'll need to do some background research first.
Some good places to find background information:
- Your textbook or class readings
- Encyclopedias and reference books
- Credible websites
- Library databases
Try the library databases below to explore your topic. When you're ready, move on to refining your topic.
Find Background Information:
| CQ Researcher | Gale in Context: Opposing Viewpoints | Sage eReference |
|---|---|---|
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Need an Idea?
A great idea can come from many places. Here are some suggested places to start:
- The Perch! Check out the Perch guide for great topic development resources.
- Class discussions
- Assigned readings
- Topics in the news
- Browse journals in the field
- Personal interests
Now that you've done some background research, it's time to narrow your topic. Remember: the shorter your final paper, the narrower your topic needs to be. Here are some suggestions for narrowing and defining your topic:
- Is there a specific subset of the topic you can focus on?
- Is there a cause and effect relationship you can explore?
- Is there an unanswered question on the subject?
- Can you focus on a specific time period or group of people?
Describe and develop your topic in some detail. Try filling in the blanks in the following sentence, as much as you can:
I want to research ____(what/who)____
and ____(what/who)____
in ____(where)____
during ____(when)____
because ____(why)____.
Creating a concept map helps you think about your topic and plan your search strategy. Start with your topic and identify what you know and the questions you have. Concept maps include key concepts, alternative terms, and their relationships.
To create a concept map:
- Write down your topic or question.
- Circle the main concepts
- For each concept, list keywords, synonyms, and examples.
If you're stuck, consider:
- Other ways to describe the concept
- Opposites of the concept
- Related genres or overarching ideas
- Specific examples
- Relevant people or organizations
Write down any questions that arise. This process generates keywords for a richer database search, leading to better results! Try either of the resources below to get you started!
Successful searches for information require you to be creative and flexible. The words you use to describe your topic may be different than the words used by the person who created the information you need to find. Challenge yourself (and give yourself enough time) to search, read, discover new terms, and then search again. Research is an iterative process!