The Research and Writing Process: A Step-by-Step Guide: Select a Topic

Once you have selected an initial topic, the next step is to develop research questions. To begin:

• Write down what you already know or don't know about the topic.
• Using the information you wrote down, develop questions you'd like to answer when doing your research.
  • Use probing questions such as why? how? what if? should?
• From the book, Teaching Information Literacy Concepts: Lesson Plans for Librarians, some questions that can help determine if a research question is appropriate for academic research:
  • Can the question be answered yes or no?
  • Can the question be answered in one sentence or a single paragraph?
  • Have entire books been written to answer this question?
  • Would this question be answered by compiling a set of facts or a list?
  • Does the question ask for a conclusion to be drawn once the facts are known?
  • Would answering this question help someone else who has an interest in the topic? (Bravender, McClure, and Schaub 188)
• When developing research questions, employ analysis of a topic:
  • What are the causes and effects?

Example: Endangered Species Act

What do or don't I know about the Endangered Species Act (ESA)?

I know it's a law that protects animals, and their habitats, that are in danger of extinction. I believe the law only protects habitats that are within the U.S. boundaries. I know at one point bald eagles and grizzly bears were on the list, but I thought they had been removed. I know there has been a lot of controversy recently about adding polar bears to the list. I don't know what it takes for an animal to be removed from the list and I don't know what the penalties are for violating this act.

Research Questions

• What was the Endangered Species Act (ESA) designed to protect -- animals only or ecosystems too?
• What animals/habitats outside of the United States boundaries are covered by the act?
• What other countries have legislation to protect animals/habitats?
• What animals are currently on the endangered species list?
• How does an animal get added/removed from the list?
• What penalities are imposed on those who violate the act?

Before you can begin searching for information in a print or online resource, you need to identify keywords, or the most essential and significant words related to your topic. Keywords can  be found easily by scanning:

• Your initial research questions
• Encyclopedia and other articles used when conducting background research
  Search Credo Reference below to find background research articles!



Search

• Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend

Helpful Tips!

• Use EBSCO's "Subject Browse" feature to identify Narrower and Related terms for your topic.
  EBSCO's Subject Browse Feature
• Use a thesaurus to identify synonyms to add to your keyword bank.

Make a list or use the worksheets below to keep track of keywords related to your topic. Keep it by your side when you start your research.

The keywords you use can have a profound impact on the results of your research. It is normal to conduct several searches with different keywords or keyword combinations before you find the best results.

IS YOUR TOPIC TOO BROAD?

If you are finding too much information, your topic may be too broad. Consider narrowing it by:

• Time period -- 1960's, bronze age, etc.
• Geographic location -- Denver, New York, Australia, etc.
• Population -- age, race, gender, nationality or other group

• Smaller piece of the topic:

  • Genre -- jazz (music)
  • Event -- Battle of the Bulge (WWII)
  • Aspect -- government regulations (pollution)
  • Discipline or Subject -- music (in early childhood education)

IS YOUR TOPIC TOO NARROW?

If you are not finding enough information, your topic may be too narrow. Consider broadening it by:

• Exploring related issues
• Comparing or contrasting the topic with another topic
• Expanding the:
  • time period covered
  • population considered
  • geographic area discussed
• Choosing an alternative topic that is not so recent -- your topic may not be covered in books and journal articles yet
• Choosing an alternative topic that is less popular -- your topic may only be covered in popular magazines and tabloids

EXAMPLES

Broad Topic: Global warming

Narrower Topic: How will climate change impact sea levels and the coastal United States?

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Narrow Topic: Does cartoon viewing cause violent behaviors in children under the age of five?

Broader Topic:  What are the negative effects of television viewing on children and adolescents?