Choosing a Research Topic:  

Brainstorm possible topics

• Consider your personal interests
• Look at headlines in the news (Google News or the New York Times)
• Review the list of topics on CQ Researcher or Opposing Viewpoints databases under "Browse Topics" or "Browse Issues" for ideas

Helpful CLC Resources:

List keywords to define your topic

• List your research topic as a question
• Pull out the nouns and important words or concepts in your question - these terms will be the keywords for searching
• Come up with synonyms, broader or narrower terms or related words for key terms
• Less is more - don't string together too many keywords in one search

Examples:

Physicians OR Doctors (synonyms)

Canines OR Pets (broader terms for "Dogs") 

Golden Retrievers OR Hunting Dogs (narrower terms for "Dogs")

Capital Punishment OR Death Penalty (related terms)

Gather background information

• Check the CLC Library Catalog to see what materials are available on your topic
• Search Academic Search Ultimate for magazine & journal articles
• Do some general reading in an encyclopedia to get an overview of your topic (check Credo Reference)
• You can search Wikipedia for general background, but remember, most instructors won't accept it as a source on your research paper/project

Helpful CLC Resources:

Is your topic too broad or narrow?

• If your topic is too broad you will drown in information (for example, "abortion" or "World War II")
• If your topic is too narrow you will have trouble finding enough information (for example, obscure topics; subjects with little research or data available; limiting focus to a narrowly defined place or time; a very new topic)
• Be flexible and consider revising or tweaking your choice of topic