Picking a topic is not always easy. It must be focused enough to be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information. Developing a good research question can sometimes be the most difficult part of the research process.
Select a few topics you want to explore further and then do some investigative background research to see if you want to continue down that path. If not, try out a different topic until you find one you like.
Are you still having trouble? You might want to check out this handout for some additional guidance on topic ideas:
If you are unfamiliar with your potential topic, you may need to research background information before you can develop a strong research question. Background information can help you identify key names, dates, events, issues, concepts, and terms associated with the topic.
Some good sources to find background information:
Here are a few sources we suggest you explore.
Sometimes a topic that seems like the right size can seem way too big after you’ve learned a little more about it. When this happens, you need to narrow the focus of your topic.
Some of the ways you can limit your topic are by:
(adapted from U of Michigan - Finding and Exploring Your Topic)
Sometimes you will find that your topic is too narrow - there is not enough published on your topic. When this happens, you can try to broaden your topic. There are a couple of strategies you can try when broadening your topic.
One strategy is to choose less specific terms for your search:
Another strategy is to broaden your topic by changing or removing limits from your topic:
(adapted from U of Michigan - Finding and Exploring Your Topic)
