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1.  Choosing a Topic
 
What are you going to research?   Sometimes picking a topic is the biggest obstacle in doing research.  The instructor may assign a topic, or the choice may be yours.  It is very important to know where to look for ideas and then select a topic that interests you.
Where can you get ideas for a topic?   First and foremost, select something that interests you.  Things you have read about or conversations you have had with others are both good places to look for ideas. Check background information in:
  • General Encyclopedias
  • Specialized/Subject Specific Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
  • Textbooks
  • Current periodicals
  • Browsing
How can I define my topic?   Ask yourself:
  • What do I know about this topic?
  • What do I need to know - questions and headings, keywords, search terms?
  • What are the places I might find information - search plan?
  • What are the keywords that describe this topic?  State your topic as a question.  Think about the significant terms, concepts, and keywords.
What are your information requirements?   Analyze  your assignment.  You will want to know the type, quantity, and format of the information you will need:
  • What kind of assignment must you complete? (3 minute oral presentation, 10 page paper, PowerPoint)
  • How much information do you need?
  • Is currency important?
  • What types of publications do you want to read? (newspaper articles, books, magazine articles)
  • What formats do you need? (visual, audio, printed, electronic)
  • Is point of view an issue?  Do you need opinions?
  • How much time do you have?
How do I Choose a Topic?   Worksheet - 1 - Choosing a Topic
Worksheet - 1 - Choosing a Topic Example

Worksheet - 2 - Defining the Need for Information
Worksheet - 2 - Defining the Need for Information Example

On to Refining a Topic