Selecting a topic is possibly the most difficult part of doing research. Is it too big? Is it too narrow? Will I be able to find enough on it?
Many students initially pick fairly broad topics and then need to narrow or focus the subject in order to write their papers.
To narrow a topic, state your
topic as a question or a sentence.
| TOO BROAD | BETTER TOPIC |
| Affirmative action | Affirmative action should be applied to
college admissions. |
| Gambling | Does gambling lead to an increase in crime? |
| Violence and TV | Do violent cartoons have a detrimental
effect on children? |
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