1. Julio Ramirez Montañez

2. A research topic focuses the study to a defined, manageable size It provides structure for the steps in the scientific method It is discussed in many ways Research question Research problem Purpose of the research

3. Provides conceptually rich topics Provides confirmation of some aspects of theory Theory – an organized body of concepts, generalizations and principles that can be subjected to investigation Personal experience ReplicationLibrary immersion Obj. 1.1

4. Suggestions for narrowing topics Talk to experts in the field Professors in your college or department Researchers you know Read secondary sources that provide overviews of your topic Handbooks Encyclopedias Reviews Obj. 1.2. & 1.4