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Refining a Topic
Once you are familiar with some background information
on your topic, you can refine your broad research into a narrower,
more focused topic. The sooner you can develop a broader subject into
a focused topic, the sooner you can shape your research into a finished
paper.
On the other hand, if your subject is too focused
or detailed, you may have a hard time finding enough sources to
write an acceptable paper. In this case, you may to need to broaden
your topic.
If you need assistance refining your topic, please
consult any Reference
Librarian.
Narrowing a topic:
A topic that covers too much material is a common
problem for students. Depending on your interests, a general topic
can be focused in many ways. For example, if you want to do a paper
on the economics of farm subsidies, consider the following questions:
What do you already know about this subject?
Is there a specific time period you want to cover?
Is there a geographic region or country on which you would like
to focus?
Is there a particular aspect of this topic that interests you? For
example, public policy implications, historical influence, sociological
aspects, psychological angles, specific groups or individuals involved
in the topic, etc.
Using the Online Catalog to Narrow a Topic:
Sometimes the online catalog can give you some ideas
for narrowing a topic. Many subject headings in the catalog are
broken down into subheadings that define geographical locations,
material types, or specific aspects of a topic. Some subject headings
also have Search also under or See also notes and links that identify
other related or narrower subjects.
Broading a topic:
Topics that are too narrow are fairly simple to fix. Think of
parallel and broader associations for your subject to find a broader
topic that will be easier to research. Sometimes a topic may be
too new and sources to your research questions may not yet exist.
For example, if you want to do a paper on the environmental
effect of deforestation on Colombia's long-term ability to feed
its citizens, consider the following questions:
Could you examine other countries or regions in addition
to the Colombia?
Could you think more broadly about this topic? Give thought to wider
topics like and sustainable development.
Who are the key players in this topic? The government? Citizens?
International organizations?
What other issues are involved in this topic? Such as, how can natural
resources be allocated most economically to sustain the populace
of Colombia?
Using the Online Catalog to Broaden a Topic:
The online catalog may suggest other terms that are
related to a subject heading. These terms show up in a box to the
right of the record which says "try these too". The links
will take you to materials that are cataloged under that heading.
Now that you have focused the research on your topic you are ready
to find some sources that will help you write your paper, such as
:books,
articles,
websites,
reviews, maps, data, etc..
Updated August 2002
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