COMP 152: Computer Literacy

Not sure where to begin?

Make sure you clearly understand your assignment and its requirements. If you have doubts, speak with your instructor to get clarification. 

The boxes below have information on selecting and refining your topic.

For a list of technology-related research topics, check out Pew Research Center.

Finding a Topic

  Having a hard time finding a topic that interests you? Here are some ways to generate ideas....

• scan current events in newspapers and magazines
• look at websites like StumbleUpon, Pinterest, Reddit, etc.
• talk to your instructor
• visit the Research Help Desk in the Library

Step 1: Define Your Topic

Before you start in-depth research you need to make sure your topic is:

• well defined
• not too broad
• not too specific

To help focus your thoughts, consider things like:

• Time frame - past, present, future, 20th century, etc.
• Place - Victoria, BC, Canada, North America, Africa, etc.
• People - age groups, gender groups, cultural groups, physical characteristics, etc.
• Perspective - psychological, sociological, economic, political, ethical, etc.

To better understand and define your topic you can do some background reading. You can browse our encyclopedias here, search for handbooks here, or even try Wikipedia!

Step 2: Refine Your Topic

A finely tuned research topic will usually read as a multi-concept, open-ended question. This is different from a brief factual question. A brief, factual question can usually be answered in a single sentence, and will have a right or wrong answer. An open ended question will require more research, can have many answers, and is subject to debate.

Examples of Brief, Factual Questions:

What is globalization?

What year was the Euro currency implemented?

Who wrote the book The Tipping Point?

Examples of Open Ended Questions:

How does globalization affect women in developing countries?

How does Facebook use impact college students' academic achievement?

1. Choose your topic.
   • Choose a topic that interests you
   • Follow your assignment criteria
   • Talk to your instructor
2. Do some background research.
   • Encyclopedias and dictionaries provide an overview
3. Refine your topic.
   • Focus on a particular aspect
   • Brainstorm keywords
4. Locate sources and evaluate them.
   • Find books and DVDs in the library catalogue
   • Find articles and ebooks, in library databases
   • Websites (if allowed) should be evaluated closely
5. Write the paper.
   • Writing Centre staff can help
6. Document your sources.
   • Keep track as you go
   • Follow a citation style appropriate for your subject or discipline