How do I focus a paper topic?

So, you have to pick a social problem, an issue in psychology, or some other paper topic and you don't know where to start? William Badke, in his book Research Strategies, recommends beginning your research by developing a "working knowledge" of a topic. A working knowledge is the ability to talk about a topic for one minute without repeating yourself.

Identify the Four W's of a topic:

Who are the populations effected? (e.g. women, Americans)

What are the facts/causes/issues surrounding the topic?

When were the people and issues affected? (e.g. a current or historical time period)

Where has this topic taken place? (e.g. the US, Ancient Greece)

Where can I look for the Four W's?

Try Grafton's Research Guides by Subject. We have links to useful web resources, encyclopedias online and in print, and article databases.  If you can't find information on your topic or can't decide where to start, use the Ask A Librarian form.

Choosing your research question or thesis.

Once you have answered the 4 W's you should be able to talk or write about a topic briefly without repetition. From the facts you have gathered pick the aspects that most interest you. So instead of strugglling with the very broad topic of eating disorders, you might choose to research the causes of obesity and overeating in American adolescent females.

What about the 5th W, Why?

Why? is your responsibility. Why were these people in this place at this time affected by your topic? You answer why with a thesis statement and the evidence you have gathered in your research and reflection.  The more information you have gathered, the easier it is to answer the question why.

Related Topics:

Searching for articles

Searching for books