Back to Research Help
    STEP 1--Choosing a topic.

    Is there something that you want to know more about? Do you have a particular hobby or something you really like to do in your spare time? Have you read an article lately about a subject that intrigues you? Is there something in the news that interests you? Picking a topic that interests you will make doing the research more enjoyable!

    If you're still having trouble selecting a topic, consider the following suggestions:
    • Come to the Reference Desk and look at the book 10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects and Reports.
    • Go to the Index Tables and look in the CQ Researcher. It contains short reports on current topics.
    • Search the library online catalog for the following series which address current trends and social issues:
      • Opposing Viewpoints
      • Taking Sides
      • Information Series on Current Topics
      • National Issues Forums
    • Look at the internet site Hot Paper Topics or Hot Topics 

    Hopefully, by now, you've found a topic that you're really excited about.

    Narrowing your topic
    If you picked a broad, general topic such as "terrorism" or "the environment" to write about, you probably need to narrow the focus of your research. If you looked up "terrorism" in the InfoTrac database, for instance, you'd find 962 articles. Do you really want to look through 962 articles about terrorism?

    How do you narrow a topic? Begin by thinking of a particular issue or sub-topic associated with your topic. An example of narrower aspects of "terrorism" or "the environment" would be "psychological aspects of terrorism" or "global warming".

    Having trouble thinking of a sub-topic? Go to the Reference Desk and ask to see the Library of Congress Subject Headings. Look under your topic and find the NT symbol. These are Narrower Topics. Glance through these terms for one that interests you.

    You might also trying looking up your topic in the InfoTrac Expanded Academic ASAP database. Be sure to do a "subject guide" search. Click on the "See also" subdivisions. You will find your topic broken down into sub-topics.

    Are you satisfied with your choice of topic?
    NO? Talk to your professor.
    YES! Go on to Step 2.
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