WRTG 1310: Introduction to College Writing

As you begin your research paper, it may seem easier to choose a broad topic that you know will fill all those pages you have to write. But while a broad topic is a good place to start, you will quickly find yourself overwhelmed with too much information. Likewise, a very specific topic may not get you enough sources to write a paper. What should you do?

HOW TO FIND A TOPIC 101

• Allow yourself enough time in your research process to test your topic in UCA's online databases
  • Finding the right combination of keywords to use in the databases can take a bit of time, especially if you are working with a broad topic. 
• Make adjustments to your topic based on your research
  • Maybe you found quite a few newspaper or magazine sources but not enough peer-review? Try to find a topic that isn't a new.
• Realize that there will never be one "perfect source" for any topic
  • Your paper should be a synthesis of research that attempts to answer your question
• Ask a librarian for help
  • We know all about how the databases work, and we can help you search better and more efficiently

To help you narrow your topic, ask yourself some questions such as:

• What geographical area do you want to focus on: United States, urban areas, rural areas?
• Which age group are you interested in: children, young adults, college students, elderly?
• Is there a particular aspect you are interested in researching: sociological, psychological, historical?

Narrowing your topic can be difficult, especially at the beginning of your writing process. Using a concept map may help you refine your topic.