On this page, you will learn about the first step in the research process: choosing a topic. Use the purple tabs at the top of the screen to explore the other steps involved in starting your research. If you are unsure about any part of the process, don't hesitate to contact the librarians for personalized assistance!
Chapters 2 and 3 discuss how to choose and narrow a topic.
Library Links
Library TutorialsSelf-guided learning at your convenience. Video, audio, and text instruction on many topics such as evaluating information, advanced Internet searching, and tips and tricks for using many of the Library’s research databases.
Research DatabasesSee a full list of the Library's research databases containing scholarly journal articles, eBooks, newspapers, images, videos, magazines, reports and other resources that are not freely available online.
Library CatalogSearch the library's catalog for a specific item.
Avoiding PlagiarismA guide full of resources to help you recognize and avoid plagiarism.
No idea what you want to write about? We recommend that you check out CQ Researcher, a database containing comprehensive reports on current, controversial issues.
Check out the Hot Topics (short reports) on the right and the Recent Reports (full reports) at the bottom to see what’s currently being talked about across the U.S. and beyond.
Once you open a full report, you can click on Pro/Con in the left menu to see pros and cons of the issue written by experts.
Keep browsing topics using the Browse options at the top of the screen until you find one that you’re passionate about, or;
Search for your own topic at the top right of the CQ Researcher screen
Narrowing your Topic
Once you've chosen a topic, start thinking about ways that you can narrow it down to a manageable scope. Click on the "5 Ws" below (Who, What, etc.) to learn some different options for narrowing.