Topic Selection Tips

 

Whenever you begin a research paper, there are things to do before you start running around the library or writing the paper to make it EASIER, LESS TIME-CONSUMING, and MORE ENJOYABLE. First, think about how much time you can spend on the project. Then, begin as early as possible in order to allow time for Interlibrary Loan, recalling books, and other snags. And, most importantly, choose a topic that is MANAGEABLE. Manageable means that the topic isn't too broad or too narrow so that you would need more time or so you can't find enough information. Think about the things listed below BEFORE you start to choose a topic. Although deciding on a topic sounds simple, you'll regret it later if you choose one quickly without doing some looking around first.

INTEREST If possible, choose a topic that interests you. You'll have to spend a lot of time and energy on it, and there's more chance you'll do a good job if it's something you want to know more about. Also, tie it in with other courses or assignments if possible.

IDEAS You can get some ideas by browsing among current periodicals (Newsweek, Time, Editorial Research Reports), or by browsing through issues of the Readers' Guide to Periodical Literature. Also, you may want to check a general topic in an encyclopedia.

SCOPE Your topic must be manageable. Avoid choosing a topic that is too broad or too narrow. If it is too broad, you will be overwhelmed by too much information. If it is too narrow, too specialized, too new, too limited in appeal, you may not find enough material. Narrow the subject by focusing on a narrower time span, a smaller place, a specific group of people, a specific event, or specific individual.

TIME Choose a project that can be finished in the time you have. If it is a busy semester, choose a topic you know something about and that is common enough to be found easily. It is better to do a smaller project well than to do a sloppy job on a more elaborate project. You will run into snags: you need Interlibrary Loan, you need to recall a book, you need to visit other libraries, etc. Allow time for the frustrations of using a busy library: lines at the copy machines, books not on shelves. Then plan for enough time to read the material and THINK about it before writing your paper. It is important to find information. It is more important the way you use it.

APPROACH There are different approaches that can be taken with a topic. For example, you can analyze or explain, narrate events or developments, argue pro or con, or be humorous or serious.

ASPECTS Most topics have many different aspects you can research. Each aspect requires different sources of information so it is important to establish what aspect of the topic interests you most from the beginning. For example, take the subject of trucking. You could look at the engineering aspects of trucks, energy and environmental issues related to trucking, government regulation of the trucking industry, truck driving music, women truck drivers, or the language of trucking.

CLARITY Be clear about what topic you are researching. It is true that a topic needs to be adjusted as the information is gathered, but you should always know what topic you are searching. Not having a clear idea of what you're looking for is dangerous because you are likely to get off track and waste time you can't afford.

source:http://lib.colostate.edu