Step 1: Develop a Topic

Before selecting a topic or starting your research, make sure you understand your assignment and its requirements. Consider the following:

• Have you been assigned a topic or can you pick your own?
• How many pages/words do you need to write? How long is your presentation?
• Do you need to include specific types of sources? (e.g. scholarly journal, book, etc.)
• When is the assignment due? How much time do you have to research?
• Is currency of information important? 
• When in doubt, consult with your instructor!

This video is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike via North Carolina State University (3:10 length). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q0B3Gjlu-1o&feature=youtu.be.

Developing a good research question can sometimes be the most difficult part of the research process. If you are struggling, follow the links below.

• Brainstorming
• Find background information
• Develop research questions
• Identify keywords
• Refine your topic

Need some topic brainstorming suggestions?