LibGuides: Research Paper: Selecting a Topic

Topic Ideas

How do I get Ideas for a Research Topic?

Check out our database CQ Researcher to brainstorm for controversial issues. Click Browse Reports and select By Topic for a list of topic ideas.

Other databases that will help you to select a topic:

Opposing Viewpoints in Context This link opens in a new window
Opposing Viewpoints In Context provides information on controversial issues in society. In this database you will find viewpoint articles, topic overviews, statistics, biographies, primary documents, academic journal articles newspaper and magazine articles. Use the viewpoint articles to help you form an argument for your controversial issue paper!
Issues and Controversies This link opens in a new window
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.

Websites for Topic Ideas

Idea Generator
List of topics created by Old Dominion University
ProCon.org
Pros and Cons of Controversial Issues
Room for Debate
Sponsored by New York Times, these opinion essays discuss news events and other timely 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?