A topic is the foundation of your research, so it's important that you have the right topic for you!
This tutorial can help you find ways to develop your topic and find something exciting to research.
Once you have a topic you want to research more, you might find that it is too big or too specific—you need to adjust your scope!
Ask yourself some of these questions:
WHO Who is involved? Who is affected? Is there a specific population you want to focus on? Identify the stakeholders and their opinions.
WHAT What is the issue or problem? What interests you most about your topic? What are related issues/problems to consider?
WHEN When did your topic take place: one time or across different time periods? Has your topic changed over time?
WHERE Where did your topic begin? Is there a geographic location you want to focus on?
WHY Why is your topic important? Why should it matter to others?
HOW How does one aspect of your topic affect another? How serious is the issue/problem?
Want to ask yourself even more specific questions to help you search for information about your topic? Check out this Topic Interview! Answer the questions in the survey and email yourself the results to use for finding sources.
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