Section Two B: Research Topics - Selecting a Topic - Index

Tips for Choosing the Right Research Topic

Students often report that finding a topic is often the most difficult part of writing a paper or preparing a presentation. A suitable research topic should fit the assignment requirements, the time available, and the scope of the problem to be solved.

• Understand the assignment. Before beginning your research, make sure you know exactly what is required and what you have been asked to do. Make sure you understand these specifics about the assignment:
  • What type of presentation or paper is required?  Are you writing an argumentative essay, expressing your opinion, analyzing the facts you've gathered, gathering sources for a bibliography, or giving a speech?
  • How long is the presentation? Are you writing a 5-6 page paper, a bibliography, or giving a 5-minute speech?
  • How many and what kind of sources are required? Can these sources be popular books, articles from popular magazines or newspapers, and Web sites, or are scholarly sources required?
  • What format is required for your writing assignment?  MLA, APA, or another?
  • What is the due date?
• Try to avoid overused topic ideas. Topics like abortion, gun control, teen pregnancy, assisted suicide, or athlete drug abuse are often chosen by students and tend to be overused. If you must use these overused topics try to think of some perspective on the topic that may be unique. 
• Choose a topic that interests you. Personal interest makes research more enjoyable and if it is of interest to you, you'll probably do a better job of writing.

Where to look for topic ideas in the SUU Library web page:

• SUU Reference sources can be found on the SUU Library Website and in the Reference Collection on the first floor.

Below are a few general online reference sources, (encyclopedias, dictionaries, handbooks), that may help you find a topic that interests you:

• Oxford Reference Online is an example of a reference source that may spark ideas for research topics and provide excellent background information. 
• CQ Researcher is a database of reports on current and controversial topics. The reports provide background information, Pro/Con views, maps and graphs, and bibliographies with additional information sources. 
• Opposing Viewpoints is another database with articles on social issues including pro/con essays, topic overviews, primary source documents, periodical articles, and data. T

These databases can all be found by selecting Articles & Journals under Using the Library from the bottom of the library homepage, then selecting General Research from the All Subjects drop down box on the top left-hand side of the page.