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Starting Your Research

Narrow the Topic

Stuck? Your topic may be too broad. Let's make it manageable. 

 

What's Too Broad?

Your topic may be too broad if:

  • It can be stated in one brief word or phrase ("gun control" or "abortion")
  • It uses broad terms that aren't well defined ("technology and society")
  • A quick library search gives you too many results and it's hard to choose
  • You have several ideas to include in the paper that are only loosely connected.
  • You feel overwhelmed by the amount of research you have to do.

The 5 W's Method