Module 1: Defining the Information Need

Choosing a Topic

Choosing a topic is the first step in the research process.

When you have the choice of topic for a research assignment, be sure that it:

• is personally interesting
  • A social issue
  • Business or career related
  • A sport or hobby
• is focused
  • Computers--too broad to be a good topic
  • The psychological effects of computer use for primary school children in Lake County, FL--too narrow to be a good topic
  • Is Internet addiction a serious psychological problem?--good choice!
• allows you to locate a variety of information sources within the time limits of your project

Here are some ways you can explore possible topics:

• Discuss your ideas with your course instructor or a librarian.
• Look at popular news articles and blog posts to see what's currently in the news about your topic.
• Try a Google search.
• Use an encyclopedia for your subject. Wikipedia isn't the only online encyclopedia available! LSCC offers many online encyclopedias.
• Check the LSSC library catalog for books and other resources on the topic.

The libraries' handout on How to Find a Topic will help you locate topic ideas.