Finding and Narrowing a Topic for Research

Set a Goal and Brainstorm Possible Topics First, think about a few goals for your research. What is going to be the outcome of your research? In this case, it will be a research presentation in which you inform the class about a current issue in America, its causes and effects, and what is being done about it. You will need to find valid, unbiased sources for this project, so it is best to stay away from “hot- button” issues. Avoid argumentative topics that will force you to pick a side or will generate too many one-sided sources!

Guidelines for Choosing a Topic The topic should interest you. Sources for the topic should be easy to find. The topic should not be argumentative (your role is to inform, not persuade) You should be able to discuss your topic within approximately 5 minutes.

Learn About Potential Topics Good researchers do preliminary research! Just like you might shop around before making a major purpose, you will “shop around” for potential research topics Today you will brainstorm two general topics that you might find interesting. You will want to do some preliminary research on each potential topic. Doing this preliminary research will help you narrow down your topic and choose a final topic by Wednesday.

No-Go Topics Certain topics will not be approved because they are too often done (read: easy to get a past student’s project) and/or too broad for this assignment. These include: abortion, legalization of marijuana, gay marriage, global warming, immigration, gun control, lowering the drinking age, stem cell research, animal rights, assisted suicide, and eating disorders.

Narrowing a Topic A more specific topic is much easier to research than a broad topic. Your topic should be narrow enough to discuss in a 5 minute presentation If an entire book has been written on your topic, it is too broad for this assignment. You need to focus on one aspect of it. If preliminary research shows that it is too narrow, open it up a bit.