Choosing a Topic

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Choosing a Topic
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What topic should you research?

• Consider your personal interests.
• On a piece of paper
• Make a list of 20 topics you are interested in
• Think about hobbies, school subjects, people,
  animals, events, etc

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What topic should you research?

• Engage in conversations in class or with
  classmates.
• Talk to 5 classmates and get 2 ideas from each
  person. Add these to your list.

4
What topic should you research?

• Flip through an encyclopedia or dictionary.
• Write down 5 new topics you got from these
  sources.

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What topic should you choose?

• Look at recent issues of journals or magazines
• Add 3 new ideas to your list

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• Browse the shelves for books on your subject.
• Add 5 more topics to your list

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Think about these questions

• Are you interested in this topic?
• Will you still be interested in a month?
• Is it worth learning more about?
• Will it lead to other research problems?
• Is the topic too narrow?
• Is the topic too broad?
• Can you find enough information on this topic?

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Assignment

• Take your list of possible topics and circle the
  5 you think would make the best research topic.
• Show your 5 ideas to your teacher for feedback.

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Sources

• http//library.duke.edu/services/instruction/libra
  ryguide/choosing.html
• http//chronicle.com/jobs/99/11/99111902c.htm
• http//library.ucsc.edu/ref/howto/choose_topic.htm
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