When narrowing a topic, consider these questions:
Sample Topic Narrowing Chart:
General topic: |
global warming |
Specific aspect: |
weather, hurricanes |
Specific time period: |
2000-present |
Specific event: |
Hurricane Katrina (2005), Hurricane Sandy (2012) |
Specific geographic area: |
United States |
Specific problem/question: |
? |
Possible search terms: "global warming" "extreme weather" katrina
=> A research question is an open-ended beginning to your investigation. It is something you are truly curious about.
Example: In what ways might Hurricane Katrina be an example of extreme weather caused by global warming?
=> A thesis is your position or argument that points to the direction of your investigation.
Example: Hurricane Katrina is an example of extreme weather caused by global warming.
When broadening a topic, consider these questions:
Example: Instead of e-coli cases related to spinach, choose food safety
(Possible research question: What conditions must be changed in our farms to ensure less contamination in our food system?)
Example: Instead of drought conditions in Texas, choose the southern states
(Possible research question: What are the reasons for the prolonged periods of drought in the southern U.S.?)
Example: Instead of social changes in the 1960s, choose the second half of the 20th century
(Possible research question: What were the events that led to societal changes in the U.S. in the second half of the 20th century?)
Example: Instead of the Head Start program, choose early childhood education
(Possible research question: How does early childhood education in the U.S. compare with that of Germany?)
Watch this video to learn how you can narrow or broaden your search by using the right keywords:
Topic Search Using Keywords (Green River Community College, Auburn, WA)