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I have a topic, but how do I know if it's a "good" topic?

Before you invest too much time, you need to know if you've selected a topic that "works." That is, will you be able to find enough information on your topic to write your paper, give your speech, or otherwise complete your assignment. If you're required to use scholarly articles, are there enough truly scholarly articles out there on your topic? Here are some additional things to consider when deciding if you've chosen a "good" topic.

Try a few preliminary searches with the library catalog or an online database, just to get an idea of how much or how little there is on your topic. If you find too much or too little don't despair! It doesn't mean that you must change your topic. Remember that it's not uncommon to continue to refine your topic as you're gathering research materials. Your instructor or a reference librarian may be able to help you improve your topic. Or, try one of the suggestions below...

My topic is very broad. How can I narrow it down?

One way to narrow down a very broad topic is to do some brainstorming. Here's what you do:

  1. Write your broad topic on a piece of paper.
  2. Think of as many related words, ideas, and issues as you can that have to do with your topic. Write them down on a piece of paper. Don't worry about organizing them or making neat lists at this point -- just brainstorm.
  3. Look at all of the terms and try to group them into categories. For example, classic rock, rap, country, and heavy metal are all types of music, so you would group them together.
  4. You should have several narrower and related topics to work with. If any of your narrow topics prove to be too narrow, you can always broaden it using your chart.
[picture of cubbyholes]

Here's an example:

 

[concept map for the topic of music]

Based on the diagram above, some possible narrower topics you could explore are:

bulletShould there be warning labels on music with heavy sex or violent content?
bulletWhat were the musical influences on a particular band (the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, the Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, etc.)
bulletShould people be allowed to download and trade MP3s through services like Napster?
bulletAre there any educational or intellectual advantages to taking music lessons as a child?

I don't know much about my topic. Can I still use it?

What if you're not very familiar with your research topic? What if you've been assigned a topic you know nothing about? Can you really be expected to write a paper or give a speech on an unfamiliar topic?

Of course! An unfamiliar topic is a perfect opportunity to learn, which is why you came to college in the first place! Here are some strategies to help you learn about your topic:

 

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Reference books
In class you received a bibliography of reference books related to your research assignment . Some of these may address your topic and give you background information. Other reference books like subject encyclopedias and research guides can present overviews of topics and issues to help you understand them before you start your true research.
Try browsing the reference shelves under call numbers related to your topic or ask a reference librarian for suggestions. 		[picture of books]

 

Talk to your instructor
[picture of an owl] Remember that your instructor is an expert in ways to construct your paper and that he or she is an excellent source of information and guidance. Your instructor may be able to recommend books, help you brainstorm, or clarify your research topic.