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Steps to writing a paper (NEW): 2. Pick a topic +

After understanding the assignment, choose a research topic or question. Instructors may give specific topics or broader guidelines, allowing for flexibility. Many students struggle with selection, often picking topics that are too broad or narrow. Be open to modifying your topic as your research progresses.

After you have selected a topic, do some background research on it, this will help you when you go to Step 3 of the research process: Writing a research question.

Search for Topics

Browse these databases for topics, but you'll likely need to narrow them down for your paper.

Broad or Narrow Topic?

How do I know if my topic is too broad?

If any of the following apply, it is a good indicator your topic is too broad and that you need to narrow it:
  • You feel overwhelmed by the number of sources you find and have difficulty deciding what to include or exclude.
  • You find so much information can't cover everything needed for the topic due to the page limit.
  • You feel like your topic is pulling you in too many directions and you are not sure where to start.

How do I know if my topic is too narrow?

If any of the following apply, it is a good indicator your topic is too narrow and you need to broaden it.
  • You find few or no sources of information about it (often times this might be because the topic is so new that no research on it has been published).
  • You realize you can write about your topic using less than the required number of words or pages.

Strategies to Narrow a Topic

Assign limits to what your paper will cover. Common ways of limiting a topic are listed below using the broad topic "Marfan syndrome" as an example:

Limiter Example
Geographic area

Narrow your focus to specific locations like countries, regions, states, counties, or military towns. Consider comparing different areas. If your topic is Marfan syndrome, explore its care in urban versus rural settings.
Time frame

Narrow your topic to a specific decade or era. For example, compare public perceptions of Marfan syndrome in the 1960s and 2010s.
Population group

Narrow your topic by age, gender, profession, demographic, species, or ethnicity. For example, study the treatment of Marfan syndrome on people over 65.
Aspect or sub-aspect

Focus on one specific aspect of your topic, such as researching the eye complications of Marfan syndrome.

Other potential limiters for your topic: Culture, ethnicity, discipline, or occupation.

Strategies to Broaden a Topic

Questions to ask yourself to broaden a narrow topic if you are having trouble finding information:

Question Example
Is my topic to new?

If your topic is too new, peer-reviewed research articles may be scarce. Instead, you might find credible news articles, blog posts, and reports from government or NGO sources. If you're still struggling, consider changing your topic.
Is my topic too specific?

If your topic is too specific, such as the burnout of ER doctors aged 34-40 in Phoenix, AZ, consider broadening your search to include all ER doctors and/or expand it to encompass all of Arizona.
Can I explore a related issue instead?

Consider whether any issues you encounter in your research might serve as a more suitable or easier topic to research
Can I check other databases? Explore multiple databases for your topic; don’t rely on just one or two.

Examples of Narrowing a Topic

It is not unusual to have to narrow your initial topic at least twice.

Broad Topic 1st Narrow 2nd Narrow 3rd Narrow (if needed)
Homeschooling

Homeschooling and socialization of children

Homeschooling and co-op classes and socialization of children

 X
Lyme disease Lyme disease and dogs

Prevention of Lyme disease and dogs

  Lyme disease vaccine and dogs.
World War I World War I and medicine

World War I and medical advances for soldiers

 World War I and medical imaging/X-rays of soldiers