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*Effective Health Science Searching: Stop 1: Choosing a Topic

Effective Health Science Searching

Selecting a Topic

Introduction

Instructors often expect you to select your topic, which can be challenging. Choosing a suitable topic is essential when conducting research and may require some time. You also may have to return to your topic throughout the process, as once you begin your research, your topic may need to be adjusted to find research.  

 A good topic should be narrow, focused enough to maintain interest, and broad enough to find sufficient information.  

Before finalizing your topic, ensure that you understand the requirements of your final project. Different instructors or courses may have varying formats or styles for research projects. 

Also, remember that not all topics will work depending on the type of paper you need to write.

Techniques

Is there an aspect of a class that you are interested in learning more about? 

Do you have a personal issue, problem, or interest that you would like to know more about? 
Look through your syllabus or textbook for themes, concepts, or ideas that interest you, even if you haven't covered them in class yet. 

Search for a broad topic or name of your course in Google or a library article database. Check out any results that look interesting. 
Keep your paper length in mind. 

The history of the health care in Canada wouldn't fit into three pages; how to measure blood pressure might not fill ten pages. 
  • Is there an aspect of one of your classes that you would like to learn more about?
  • What are your major interests within your discipline?
  • What coursework did you find the most exciting?
  • What theories and concepts are most interesting to you?
  • Are there some ideas you have studied which you are curious about and would like to explore more?
  • What are the major issues or problems faced in your field today?
  • Have you read any interesting articles or books related to your discipline?

Next step

Once you have a rough idea of a topic, you must narrow it down to a manageable, specific question. Please choose one of the options below for more information about narrowing topics.

Narrow Your Topic:
General Ideas
Narrow Your Topic:
PICO
Move to
Stop 2: Picking Keywords

Credit Statement: The information on this page was reused and adapted (with permission) from The King's University's Research Tips and Tricks Guide.

Material is licensed for reuse under the Creative Commons license CC BY-NC.