How to Find a TopicFinding a topic is the most important but sometimes the hardest part of the research process. These easy tips should help.
- Choose a topic you find interesting
- Topic should fit the assignment -- ask instructor for approval
- Focus the topic
- Broad -- Computers (you'll find too much information)
- Narrow -- The psychological effects of computer use for primary school children in Lake County, FL (you'll find too little information)
- Just Right -- Is Internet addiction a serious psychological problem?
Topic Idea Websites
Use these sites for topic ideas and for help narrowing a topic. Links open in new windows.
Databases
Use these databases to narrow broad topics and for in-depth information on many controversial topics. Most articles are full-text. To access: use your X-ID as the Borrower ID and your six-digit birth date (MMDDYY) as the PIN.
Print Sources
These print series present many controversial and timely topics in a question/answer or pro/con format.
- At Issue
- Contemporary World Issues
- Current Controversies
- Opposing Viewpoints
- Taking Sides
To find them use the library catalog and do a search like the one pictured.
Other Internet Sources
These websites also offer good ideas for paper and essay topics. Sites open in new windows.
Still can't find a topic? Ask A Librarian for help.