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How to Write a Research Paper: 2. Selecting a Topic

Information for gathering components of a research paper. Use the tabs below to find information on: 1. Selecting of a Topic, 2. Types of Information Sources, 3. Locating Information, 4. Searching the Web, 5. Evaluating Sources, and 6. Citation

Selecting - Narrowing - Developing a Topic

Narrow your topic by focusing on:

  • Social Aspect
  • Cultural Aspect
  • Historical Aspect (time)
  • Type
  • Place
  • Combining two similar topics*
  • Combining two or more of the aspects above

* Narrow your topic by joining together related concepts.  But beware.  The outcome must be feasible, not too narrow, and  interesting. This is why you need to perform some background research.

Brainstorming