LibGuides: Research Paper: Selecting a Topic

Topic Ideas

How do I get Ideas for a Research Topic?

Check out our database Opposing Viewpoints to brainstorm for current or controversial issues. Click Browse Issues for a list of topic ideas.

Other databases that will help you to select a topic:

Issues and Controversies
Issues & Controversies provides reports that explore hundreds of hot topics in politics, government, business, society, education, and popular culture. This is a great database for the beginning of the research process since it provides foundational overviews for nearly 800 current topics that profoundly impact society.
CQ Researcher
CQ Researcher includes current, hot topic reports providing unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy.

Websites for Topic Ideas

Idea Generator
List of topics created by Old Dominion University
ProCon.org
Pros and Cons of Controversial Issues

Example

Example:

You could write thousands of pages on global warming, but narrowing your focus to the impact of rising sea levels on coastal wetlands will give you a manageable topic and a clear purpose.

How do I narrow my topic?

When analyzing your topic, ask: who, what, where, when, why and how?

Who are the significant players? Who was impacted?
What are the components or aspects of the topic will you explore?
Where does your event take place? What locations are impacted by your topic?
When did the event occur and/or what is the significance of the time period on your event?
Why does this topic matter?
How does this topic impact society?