G.R. Little Library: The Research Process: Selecting a Topic

Developing a Topic

1. Select a topic

2. Identify keywords

3. Find background information

Choose a topic that interests you and will hold your attention. If you do, the research will be more enjoyable!

Define the Task

Before selecting a topic or starting your research, make sure you understand your assignment. Consider:

Have you been assigned a topic or can you pick your own?
How many pages/words do you need to write? How long is your presentation?
Do you need to include specific types of sources (e.g. scholarly journal, book, etc.)?
When is the assignment due? How much time do you have to research?
Is currency of information important?

When in doubt, consult with your instructor.

Topic Ideas

Can’t think of a topic to research?

"Hot Topic" Databases

NCLIVE
a cooperative library service for the students, faculty, business people, and residents of North Carolina. The website allows access to digital content such as eBooks, eJournals, streaming video, and downloadable audiobooks offered from a variety of vendors.
Education Week

Education Week, is recognized as the premier, most trusted source of news, information, and analysis on American pre-collegiate education. Education Week seeks to advance the quality of K-12 education, using a variety of tools both old and new, including the EPE Research Center, Education Week Spotlight reports, and EPE webinars which bring fresh insights and advice to educators online.
CQ Researcher
Reports on issues shaping our world, with in-depth coverage of political and social issues, such as health, education, the environment, technology, and the U.S. economy.
Nexis Uni

Provides access to full-text news, business, and legal publications, and includes deep backfiles and up-to-the-minute stories in national and regional newspapers, wire services, broadcast transcripts, international news, and non-English language sources. The Company Dossier module retrieves detailed company information and financial performance measures and can identify and compare companies matching specific criteria.

Formerly known as LexisNexis Academic