LibGuides: COMM 430: 2016-1: Identifying and narrowing a topic

Defining your topic and crafting your research question

Selecting a Topic

Deciding on a topic can be one of the toughest parts of writing a research paper. The resources on this page can help start the brainstorming process. You can also look for background information in the sources below.

Ask Yourself

Ask yourself the following questions about your topic to make sure you've picked a topic that will keep both yourself and your audience (those reading your paper) engaged. If you can answer yes to all the questions, you're ready to start gathering sources. Source

Am I interested in the topic?
Will I enjoy researching this topic?
Will I enjoy talking about this topic and sharing my information with my readers?
Will my readers be interested in my topic?

Brainstorming

The following tools are digital aids to help with the brainstorming process. You can either use them or just a good old fashioned pencil and paper to map out ideas (including nebulous, half formed ideas) on your topic.

From here you can narrow your research topic using logic similar to that in the graphic to the right.

Topic ideas

Topic Selection Helper
A list of general topics and popular themes.
Pros & Cons of Controversial Issues
"Promoting critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, and primarily pro-con format.”
Public Agenda
A nonprofit, nonpartisan group providing facts on major issues in our country. Browse "Issue Guides" or "Research Studies" to get ideas for a speech topic.

Narrowing a research topic graphic

Opposing Viewpoints and CQ Researcher

These databases are an excellent source for articles on all types of social and controversial issues. Different perspectives on the issues they cover are provided with topic overviews, pro/con viewpoints, court-case overviews, and more. If you're not sure about your topic, you can browse through a list of current topics and issues to help give you ideas.

Opposing Viepoints

Opposing Viewpoints In Context This link opens in a new window
- This link opens in a new window
A collection of content for exploration into social issues from all perspectives. Providing pro/con viewpoint essays, topic overviews, biographies of social activists and reformers, court-case overviews, podcasts, primary source documents, and more.
Terms of Use
Google Account holders can login using their credentials to easily download and share articles, including highlights and notes, using Google Apps for Education tools like Drive and Docs.

WSU Libraries has a number of print books from both the Opposing Viewpoints series and the Taking Sides series that can assist you in determining topics for a persuasive or informative speech. Search "opposing viewpoints" or "taking sides" in SmartSearch (on the Finding Books & Articles tab to the left).