Defining your topic is a critical step in the research process.
Choosing the right research topic can you lead you to an interesting and enjoyable (really!) research experience. While your instructor often determines your topic (or provides a list of topics to choose from), you may find yourself getting to choose a topic from a list of possible subjects.
In choosing a topic, keep in mind your assignment description, your audience and your own interests. Also remember that a topic needs to be reasonably narrow, clearly defined and able to be thoroughly investigated within the limits of your assignment. Choosing a topic that is too broad, vague, or boring is a recipe for disaster.
Note: If you have been provided a topic and research question by your instructor, you may want to move ahead to the next section Brainstorm Research Terms.
If you are not provided a topic for your assignment, you may want to consider using the Dewey Decimal Classification may provide to think about potential topics and their interdisciplinary connections.
Hutchins Library uses the Dewey decimal system in classifying its book collection. The Dewey decimal system uses numbers to designate major subject areas, and then a combination of letters and numbers to designate subdivisions under the major classifications.
Click above to review and become familiar with this system -- or to start thinking about a topic that will fit within your assignment description and be interesting to both you and your audience.
