English 101: Getting Started with Research

Research Topic Checklist:

• Does the topic fit the assignment guidelines? 
• Am I interested in this topic?
• Can I find enough information on this topic?
• Can I find appropriate sources? 
• Can I research this topic successfully by the assignment due date?

Focus your topic using the 4 W's: 

  Who?

What?

 When?

Where?

You've chosen the topic bullying.  A good choice, but very broad, lets try narrowing down that topic using the four W's:

 Who: High school students

What: Cyber Bullying

 When: Last five years

Where: United States

Using the four W's, we went from the broad topic of bullying, to a more narrowly defined topic of cyber bullying among high school students.  This wil allow us to focus our research and find credible sources.

• Research is a process that will require flexibility.
• You might have to narrow or broaden your topic several times as you search the library databases.
• That's normal!  Let your search results guide your topic selection.
• If there is not enough information available on your original idea, continue to adjust your topic until you find one that has enough information and will allow you to complete your assignment.