Choosing a Topic

Often when researching and writing a paper, you will be assigned a topic by your teacher, or you will be given a list of several different topics to choose from. In cases where you are given the freedom to choose your own topic, be sure to select a subject that interests you -- a topic that you know a little bit about and would like to know more about. If a subject has been assigned, try to bring to the assignment the flavor of your own perspective that will make it more personal.

A reference librarian can help you at this point by suggesting the appropriate subject headings to search in the online catalog, as they are standardized by the Library of Congress and by the indexes to online databases and journals. The headings, or indexing terms, can be different from those you are trying.

Try to avoid brand new subjects, as indexing and publishing take extra time.
Think twice about using popular subjects, since others may be using the materials you would need.
Consider the amount of time for completion. Is the assignment due tomorrow, in 1 week, 1 month, or at the end of the quarter? Plan time for research, organization, writing, revising, and typing.
Check to see if resources and information are available. Spend a few minutes at the online catalog and with the periodical databases and indexes. Does your library own materials on the subject you have chosen? Does the library subscribe to the magazines you see listed in the indexes under your topic? Are the books you need on the shelf? Can the books or magazines be interlibrary loaned from other libraries? Check with a librarian for assistance.
Will you have to go to another library for materials? Your school or local library should be your starting point, but your research may lead you to an area library for other materials. Ask a librarian for suggestions and guidance before you go. A phone call between libraries may save you time and energy.

Find Background Information and Determine Terminology

Spend a few more minutes in the library looking at encyclopedias, general reference books, as well as perusing the catalog. Be prepared to limit, narrow, or direct your topic to one aspect of a large subject. For instance, a time frame may help limit a large topic to a manageable one.

Thesis Statement

The Statement of your idea for the scope or coverage of the selected topic is the "thesis statement". If this is a sentence with a directive or goal, then your research will be more purposeful and productive. Remember, the point of research is to learn something and share it in an organized, logical, and interesting way. The more carefully and specifically you formulate the thesis statement, the more directed your research will be. For instance, "Drug awareness should [or shouldn't] be taught to first graders" is a thesis statement; "drug abuse" is not. In your research you will be collecting evidence to defend, clarify, develop, or disprove your thesis statement.

Up until this point, you have spent some time in critical thinking, but hopefully, not too much time in actual research. Now is the time to make changes. Be flexible and prepared to change or refine your topic. Throw out everything and begin again, if need be! Ask for advice from anyone who will listen -- your instructor or a librarian are good possibilities. Begin to see a serious project unfold. The hardest part of the assignment is accomplished when you select what to focus on!

Keys to Critical Thinking

Recognize that information is available in a variety of formats and categories.
Be open-minded and imaginative as you begin research.
Recognize opinion as opposed to fact.
Draw your own conclusions as you proceed.
Write down questions and your own ideas and opinions as they occur in your research.
Have you found facts from independent sources which agree with an author's claim?