1. Adopted from OSU Libraries

2. How to Narrow a Research Topic When your research topic is too broad, ask these questions: Who? What? When? Where? Why?

3. Example broad topic: Immigration reform This topic is too broad and needs to be narrowed down to something more specific.

4. Use AND to narrow down a topic. Use OR to broaden a topic. Use NOT to eliminate a information not wanted.

5. How to Narrow a Research Topic TOPIC: Immigration reform Populations Age Gender Race or Ethnicity NEW TOPIC: Immigration reform for Latinos.

6. How to Narrow a Research Topic TOPIC: Immigration reform Types Build a Fence Tough Laws Amnesty NEW TOPIC: How will building a border fence effect illegal immigration?

7. When? How to Narrow a Research Topic Timeframes Current or historical view Period of life NEW TOPIC: Illegal immigration’s effect on young males. TOPIC: Immigration reform

8. Where? How to Narrow a Research Topic TOPIC: Immigration reform Places States Regions Countries NEW TOPIC: Illegal immigration in Arizona.

9. Why? How to Narrow a Research Topic Evaluate Causes Treatments Outcomes NEW TOPIC: Potential solutions for dealing with illegal immigration. TOPIC: Immigration reform

10. Mix n’ Match How to Narrow a Research Topic 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.

11. Narrow your topic Use the following resources for an overview of your topic: 1.Encyclopedias – Give a brief summary 1. Print – Found on the Reference Shelves 2. Online - Gale Virtual Reference Library 2.Opposing Viewpoints – (Reference Articles) 3.CQ Researcher (Print and Online) 4.SIRS Issue Researcher

12. Gun Control In California New Laws Crime Would there be less crime in California if new laws controlling guns were passed?

13. Obesity Youth Junk Food Schools Could the obesity epidemic plaguing our youth be solved by eliminating junk food from schools ?

14. Construct a keyword search Research question: Could the obesity epidemic plaguing our youth be solved by eliminating junk food from schools ? “junk food” And (obesity or obese) And School* Sample Search