Skip to Main Content

*Library research basics

Selecting & brainstorming topic ideas

Selecting a Topic

Some instructors may assign you a specific topic, while others ask you to select your own. When deciding on a topic, there are a few things that you can do:

  • Brainstorm for ideas
  • Pick a topic that is manageable and material is available
  • Do some background reading
  • Make a list of key words
  • Be flexible. You may have to broaden or narrow your topic to fit your assignment or the sources you find

Selecting a good topic is not always easy. It must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet broad enough to find enough information. Before deciding on your final topic, review your assignment so you know you're meeting all the requirements e.g., length, layout, required number and types of sources. Don't lose sight of your end goal!
 

Brainstorming for a Topic

Always try to choose a topic that interests you. It will make the research process much more fun! The following questions will help generate topic ideas.

  • Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy?
  • Do you have a personal issue, problem, or interest that you would like to know more about?
  • Is there an aspect of your course that you are interested in learning more about?
  • Is there an information gap with the topic you've considered researching?

Write down any key words or concepts that may be of interest to you. These terms can be helpful in your searching and used to form a more focused research topic.

Be prepared to adjust your topic once you begin your research; your final research topic may look quite different!

A topic is not a question

Great! You've decided on the topic you want to research. But remember, a topic is not a question. Developing the question your essay will explore is the next step in the research process. Some things to consider are:

  • Ways to narrow or focus your topic:
    • population - seniors only, children only, ethnicity, women only
    • the location - Victoria, Canada or global in scope
    • the time frame - last 6 months, last 3 years, historical research
    • the why of the topic - are you looking for causes, treatments, outcomes
       
  • How your topic might fit with these sample questions:
    • What are the advantages (or benefits) to ______? (employee reward programs, forest regeneration programs, diversity in the workplace)
    • How does bullying affect _______? (teens, children, employees in the workplace)
    • What are the risks to ____ in children? (vaping, concussion, social media)
    • How are _____ affected by compassion fatigue in the workplace? (nurses, therapists, teachers)
    • What are possible solutions to _________? (burnout, problem employees, housing shortages)