Produced by the libraries at North Carolina State University (3.10 minutes)
What are the research requirements for your assignment?
Is there a particular kind of paper you are being asked to write? Consider the following.
Now that you have reviewed the requirements of the assignment, you are ready to select your topic. Even when assigned a topic, you are frequently given the opportunity to select a particular aspect of the topic to research. Since you will be spending a lot of time on your research, choose one that interests you!
Need ideas?
Reference materials (encyclopedias, dictionaries, etc) in print and online can be good places to browse for ideas. Here are some suggestions of places to look.
Library staff are always ready to meet and consult with you about ideas.
1. Once you've got your idea for a topic, try stating it as a question. This will help focus your topic and guide your research.
2. Next, do some preliminary research to determine if there is enough information for you to meet the requirements of your paper.
3. You may find you need to either:
(a) broaden your question in order to find enough information
(b) narrow your question in order to keep from being overwhelmed with too much information.