Research as Inquiry

Perhaps one of the most stressful and toughest jobs when given a research assignment is picking a topic. Many students struggle with the decision and can spend valuable time going back and forth between topics, falling behind schedule, leading to rushed research and writing that results in a less than hoped for result.

It is important to think about your topic immediately after you receive your assignment to engage in preliminary research, ensuring the topic is viable and worthwhile and will not lead to a dead end. While devoting time to picking your topic is paramount, remember; the research process starts from that point and will carry you through the completion of the project.

When picking a topic, follow these helpful tips:

• Choose a topic that interests you! The research process is more relevant if you care about your topic.
• Narrow your topic to something manageable.
  • If your topic is too broad, you will find too much information and not be able to focus.
  • Background reading can help you choose and limit the scope of your topic.
• Review the guidelines on topic selection outlined in your assignment. Ask your professor!
• Refer to lecture notes and required texts to refresh your knowledge of the course and assignment.
• Talk about research ideas with a friend, who may help focus your topic by discussing issues that didn't occur to you at first.
• Think of the who, what, when, where and why questions:
  • WHY did you choose the topic? What interests you about it? Do you have an opinion about the issues involved?
  • WHO are the information providers on this topic? Who might publish information about it? Who is affected by the topic? Do you know of organizations or institutions affiliated with the topic?
  • WHAT are the major questions for this topic? Is there a debate about the topic? Are there a range of issues and viewpoints to consider?
  • WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or international level? Are there specific places affected by the topic?
  • WHEN is/was your topic important? Is it a current event or an historical issue? Do you want to compare your topic by time periods?