How to Narrow a Research Topic

Let’s see how this works with an example: eating disorders How to Narrow a Research Topic Let’s see how this works with an example: eating disorders This topic is too broad (general) to write about in a short paper. We need to make it narrower (more specific).

Who? TOPIC: EATING DISORDERS Populations How to Narrow a Research Topic Who? TOPIC: EATING DISORDERS Populations Age NEW TOPIC: Eating disorders in elderly females Gender Race or Ethnicity

When? TOPIC: EATING DISORDERS Timeframes How to Narrow a Research Topic When? TOPIC: EATING DISORDERS Timeframes Current or historical view NEW TOPIC: Bulimia in middle- aged females Period of life

Where? TOPIC: EATING DISORDERS Places How to Narrow a Research Topic States NEW TOPIC: Anorexia in Australian women Regions Countries

Why? TOPIC: EATING DISORDERS Evaluate How to Narrow a Research Topic Causes NEW TOPIC: Successful methods for treatment of compulsive eating Treatments Outcomes

How to Narrow a Research Topic Mix n’ Match Combine any number of elements that you derive from asking these questions until you find an interesting topic to research. Some examples: Causes and treatment of anorexia in college athletes Prevalence of bulimia in teen-age males in the United States Changes in treatment for compulsive overeaters, 1950-present.