Research Topic Worksheet

Complete this questionnaire to help you identify several potential topics for your research paper. Spend some time exploring possibilities because the first topic you think of may not be the best one. Write at least a sentence clearly summarizing each topic you uncover, and then discuss your findings with your instructor.

1. Look at a recent issue of your college or university newspaper, and check various items in the issue--the front page, the editorial, letters to the editor, advertisements for lectures, etc. Name three possible topics.
2. Look at a recent issue of your local newspaper, and check out various items--the front page, the editorial, letters to the editor. Name three possible topics. Pay special attention to topics of local interest.
3. Find a magazine or publication that pertains to one of your natural interests or hobbies. You may already have one at home. First indicate the title of the publication, and then list three potential topics. (This is a very good place to find topics.)
4. Go to your library and browse through a general print index like Reader's Guide to Periodical Literature or the General Science Index or a subject-specific index like Film Literature Index or Nutrition Abstracts and Reviews. In the index, locate a general area of interest, and try to narrow down your subject. Name the index you consulted, and list three potential topics.
5. Connect to Periodical Abstracts, a general on-line electronic database, or SIRS, a full-text database. Do a word or a subject search on an area that interests you. In SIRS, you may want to browse through the Topic Browse portion. List three potential topics.
6. Go to the library to find a Time magazine or Newsweek, two good sources for current debatable topics. Indicate the date and title of the magazine, and list three possible topics.
7. Watch a TV show like Dateline or 60 Minutes or listen to a radio program hosted by Rush Limbaugh, Howard Stern, etc. (Even though many instructors don't consider such shows and personalities reputable sources for a final paper, you may find leads to some good potential topics.) Name the show(s), and list two potential topics.
8. After responding to the questionnaire and keeping the elements of a good research topic in mind, list five potential topics from your most to least preferred.

Consult these pages for more help on finding a topic:

• Use library & electronic resources to identify a topic.
• Check out topics used by other students.

Selecting a Topic

E-mail your comments and suggestions to the YSU Grant Team (cardcat@bgnet.bgsu.edu).