Welcome
Before you start your research, you need to create a narrow research topic or question that fits the scope of your assignment. You also need search terms that describe your topic so that you can use them to find sources for your topic. This page will help you do these things.
One of the easiest way to brainstorm is to create a concept map. The idea is to put your umbrella topic in the middle and place a large circle around it. While you do background research you can start to fill in your map with subtopics. Think about the five W's (who, what, where, when, why). You may also want to consider time, location, area of study and genre.
You can either do your concept map on a piece of paper OR you can use free online tools that allow you to create them virtually. Check out the link below to create a concept map online:
Topic Finding: Gale Opposing Viewpoints
Feeling lost on your topic? Need subtopic ideas? Try out the Topic Finder on Gale Opposing Viewpoints. Type in your topics and immediately get ideas on how to narrow it to specific subtopics. Once you narrow down to a subtopic, you can then look at articles. Look at the screenshots below to learn how to find the Topic Finder feature.
Narrowing Your Topics
Picking Your Topic IS Research
Developing Search Terms
Brainstorming Resources
- Gale Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Use the encyclopedia entry at the top of every topic page to get some background information. You can also use the topic finder to get subtopic ideas (click advanced search and then topic finder) - CQ Researcher
Award-winning in-depth coverage of the most important issues of the day. Organized by reports that give a wealth of background information.
Books and encyclopedias are also a great place to go for background information. Check out the Finding Reference & Finding Books tabs at the top for more information.
Narrowing Your Topic
Examples of Narrowing Down Your Topic
Use the last column to help you develop your research question.
Research Question=the question your paper is trying to answer
Developing a Thesis Statement
Thesis Statement=your answer to your research question; your position on the topic; the main idea of the paper
A well-written thesis statement has two parts:
1.The answer to your research question (your position).
2.Your reasons.
EXAMPLE:
My research question= Should smoking be banned in public places?
Supporting Your Thesis
Help with Writing a Paper
Critical Writing: A Guide to Writing a Paper Using the Concepts and Processes of Critical Thinking by Call Number: LB2369 .N68 2022ISBN: 9781538140901Publication Date: 2021-03-17
Help with Creating an Effective Slide Show
Slide:ology: The Art and Science of Creating Great Presentations by Call Number: HF5718.22 .D83 2008ISBN: 9780596522346Publication Date: 2008-09-16
Further Topic Narrowing Help
