Introduction to Research

Finding a topic can be a difficult process. You want to find a topic that is not too narrow or too broad.

Suggestions for finding a topic:

• Use a database like Opposing Viewpoints that lists controversial topics. 
• Use the reference sources to find an introductory article about a topic. The more you know about a topic the easier it will be to narrow.
• Do a Google search on a topic you are interested in and look at a few sites for ideas.
• Review your notes for topics discussed in class.

Try to find a topic that is not so broad that you have too much information or so narrow that you do not have enough information. To find a topic that is appropriate for your paper, start with a broad topic and narrow it down by selecting a section of that topic as you learn about it.

Is my topic too broad?

• If you can say your topic using one word it is probably too broad.
  • Example: My topic is obesity.
• If you try to find sources for a topic that is too broad you will be overwhelmed by how much is available. 

Is my topic to narrow?

• If your topic gets too specific it is probably too narrow.
  • Example: My topic is childhood obesity and school lunch and Essex County New Jersey.
• If you try to find sources on a topic that is too narrow you will have a hard time finding enough sources for your paper.
  ​

Too Broad: obesity

Just right: childhood obesity and school lunch

Too narrow: childhood obesity and school lunch and Essex County New Jersey