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CD 415 - Maxwell: Choose and Narrow Your Topic

For students in the 400-level course of Communication Disorders

 

Start by browsing for ideas and inspiration

If your professor has not assigned a topic to you, it can be difficult to come up with something on your own. The goal is to find something you're interested in personally, and to ensure it is focused with a clear structure.

Try browsing through these databases to see if an a topic sparks your interest, and then use the tips below to ensure you are staying on track:

To determine whether a topic will work for you and for your assignment, consider these questions: 

  • Am I interested in this topic?
  • Is the topic appropriate to my audience?
  • What is my purpose for writing about this topic?
  • Can I fully develop and research this topic within the time frame and word length
  • Is the topic narrow enough (or broad enough) to fit the assignment requirements (word count, number of source, etc.)?
  • Will I be able to research this topic adequately enough to satisfy the assignment requirements (page count, due dates, etc.)?
    • Try an initial keyword search using Summon from the library's homepage.

A topic is too broad when you find that you have too many different ideas or resources about that topic, or, when you are becoming overwhelmed by the amount of information out there. While you want to start the writing process with as many ideas as possible, you will want to narrow your focus at some point so that you aren't attempting to do too much in one essay.

Here are ways to make your result list less in quantity, but still high in relevance:

  • Theoretical approach:  Limit your topic to a particular approach to the issue.  
    • Example: if your topic concerns vaccines, examine the theories surrounding rate of failures in vaccines.
  • Aspect or sub-area:  Consider only one piece of the subject.  
    • Example: if your topic is vaccines, investigate government regulations.
  • Time:  Limit the time span you examine.  
    • Example: on a topic on vaccines, contrast public attitudes in the 1950's vs. the 2000's.
  • Population group:  Limit by age, sex, race, occupation, species or ethnic group.  
    • Example: on a topic on vaccines, examine specific traits as they affect women over 40 years of age.
  • Geographical Location:  A geographic analysis can provide a useful means to examine an issue.  
    • Example: if your topic concerns vaccines, investigate vaccine practices in Africa or the Middle East.

A topic is too narrow if you can't find any information about it.  Though student writers most often face the challenge of limiting a topic that is too broad, they occasionally have to recognize that they have chosen a topic that is too narrow or that they have narrowed a workable topic too much.  If your topic is so narrowed and focused, it can become too academic or pedantic.  If your topic is too narrow, try making it broader by asking yourself related questions.

  • Your topic is too specific. Generalize what you are looking for.  
    • Example: if your topic is genetic diversity for a specific ethnic group in Ghana, Africa, broaden your topic by generalizing to all ethnic groups in Ghana or in West Africa.
  • Your topic is too new for anything substantive to have been written. If you're researching a recently breaking news event, you are likely to only find information about it in the news media. Be sure to search databases that contain articles from newspapers. If you are not finding enough in the news media, consider changing your topic to one that has been covered more extensively.
  • Use different databases.  Use the Summon search on the library homepage to find other databases in your subject area which might cover the topic from a different perspective. Also, use excellent searching techniques to ensure you are getting the most out of every database.  Remember if you need help finding databases or techniques, contact a librarian.
  • Change the Words.  Are you using less common words or too much jargon to describe your topic?  Use a thesaurus to find other terms to represent your topic. When reading background information, note how your topic is expressed in these materials. When you find citations in an article database, see how the topic is expressed by experts in the field.
Going from broad to narrow (examples):
Broad topic: Focused Topic: Research Question:
Eating disorders Anorexia What is the relationship between Instagram and anorexia?
Online courses Effectiveness of online college courses Which type of course delivery is more effective for college students: online or traditional?

As a junior or a senior...

...you have by now probably completed a few research papers. Below are a few tactics to help you advance with your research skills, including a brainstorming technique if you get stuck.

The goal for intermediate levels is to quickly work your way to a focused, clear, and appropriately complex research question.

1. Have you researched anything for past courses that you can build upon now by digging deeper, or addressing it with newer, more complex questions?

  • Can you explore any subtopics that were outside of the scope of the earlier assignment?
  • What questions did the earlier assignment raise that you didn't address?
  • Can you connect the earlier topic to a secondary topic to explore them together in a new way?
  • Important: When using a topic or content from a previous class, always ask your current professor for permission on how and when to use that earlier research and/or content.

2. Is there anything directly related to your capstone/portfolio, and/or your future career that would benefit you to research now?

  • Thinking about future courses and/or your life outside the university can spark an idea to ensure you are staying on top of the research in your field, and finding relevant, applicable information to give you an advantage later on. 
  • Try looking for trade journals in your discipline.
    • A trade journal is a periodical that contains news and items of interest concerning a particular trade, field, or profession. They're written by experts working in a field, for experts working in a field. Examples include Advertising Age, Chemical Week, and Accounting Today.
    • You can find trade journals by entering your keywords into the Summon search on the library's homepage, then choosing "Trade Journal Articles" from the Content Type filter in the Refine Your Search menu on the Results page:

Image: Look for the Trade Publication option on the results page of your Summon search, in the Refine section. Access Summon from the library's homepage, and treat it like Google. 

  • You can also look for subject-specific databases.
    • A subject-specific database is a digital platform that houses scholarly and peer-reviewed (and, sometimes, trade) journals specific to a discipline, such as teaching, psychology, history, education, etc.
    • You can locate a subject-specific database by clicking on the Article Databases tab on the homepage, and then entering your subject or discipline into the search box. You can also browse the full list of databases by clicking on "All Databases."

Image: Locate the main search box on the library's homepage, and click on the Article Databases tab to search for subject-specific articles (highlighted example), or view the full list with descriptions by clicking on All Databases.

How to Go from Topic to Research Question

After choosing a topic and gathering background information, add focus with a structured research question:

1. Explore questions.

  • Ask open-ended “how” and “why” questions about your general topic.
  • Consider the “so what” of your topic. Why does this topic matter to you? Why should it matter to others?
  • Reflect on the questions you have considered. Identify one or two questions you find engaging and which
  • could be explored further through research.

2. Determine and evaluate your research question.

  • What aspect of the more general topic you will explore?
  • Is your research question clear?
  • Is your research question focused? (Research questions must be specific enough to be well covered in the space available.)
  • Is your research question complex? (Questions shouldn’t have a simple yes/no answer and should require research and analysis.)

3. Hypothesize. After you’ve come up with a question, consider the path your answer might take.

  • If you are making an argument, what will you say?
  • Why does your argument matter?
  • How might others challenge your argument?
  • What kind of sources will you need to support your argument?

If you're having difficulty, try a Concept Map!

Concept mapping (aka "mind mapping") is a brainstorming technique that lets you visualize concepts and ideas.

  • This technique starts with a research question or main idea, then adds branches with synonyms, related topic, keywords, and examples.
  • This technique can be used to generate keywords or main ideas based on your research question, and helpful in making connections between ideas.
  • For example, if you were assigned to create an oral presentation on how rock music has evolved from the latter half of the 20th century to the present, then your research question would go in the center circle and main ideas (e.g. use of technology, commercialism) would go in the adjoining circles. Next, use the main ideas to develop keywords, phrases, or connections.


Our reference database called Credo Reference will make a mind map for you when you enter search terms. The map it generates consists of related terms that, when clicked, will bring a new set of results, and reset the map according to those terms.

Try it out: Credo Reference

The goal is a clear, focused, complex research question.

Sample Research Questions
Clarity Focus Simple vs Complex
Unclear: Why are social networking sites harmful? Unfocused: What is the effect on the environment from global warming? Simple: How are doctors addressing diabetes in the U.S.?
Clear: How are online users experiencing or addressing privacy issues on social networking sites like YouTube and Facebook?  Focused: How is glacial melting  in Antarctica impacting our food supply? Complex: What are common traits of those suffering from diabetes in America, and how can these commonalities be used to aid the medical community in prevention of the disease?

Self - Check #1 (Anonymous Poll & Discussion)

If you're struggling with narrowing your topic, you can...
Look at demographic characteristics: 2 votes (8%)
Consider issues relevant to you: 5 votes (20%)
Think about a specific location: 1 votes (4%)
Select a timeframe or historical period: 0 votes (0%)
Choose a certain cause: 0 votes (0%)
Any of the above: 11 votes (44%)
None of the above: 6 votes (24%)
Total Votes: 25

The correct answer is Any of the Above!


Discussion

Once you have chosen a research topic, you will need to narrow it down into a research statement or question. The sooner you do this in your research process, the more time you'll save because you can conduct more focused searches.

Here are some common ways you can narrow down a research topic:

By demographic characteristics 

  • Narrow it down by age group, occupation, ethnic group, gender, etc.  
  • e.g. challenges faced by international college graduates entering the workforce

By relevant issues

  • Try to identify key issues related to your topic, especially ones that you have an opinion on. You can turn your opinion into your thesis statement or research question.
  • e.g. challenges faced by college graduates who are unable to find meaningful or relevant work 

By location 

  • Focus on a specific country, province, city, or type of environment (rural vs. urban). 
  • e.g. challenges faced by college graduates entering the workforce in rural Ontario

By timeframe 

  • Decide whether you want to study recent events or a historical time period. This will also help you decide how current the information you use must be.
  • e.g. challenges faced by college graduates entering the workforce during the COVID-19 pandemic

By causes

  • You can take the perspective of looking for causes of an issue you are researching.
  • e.g. Why do employers hire fewer college graduates?

Then what?

When developing a research question, think about: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. The more of these you incorporate the more specific your research question will be.


Source:

Seneca College (2022, May 13). FAQ: How do I narrow down my research topic? Seneca Library. Retrieved June 29, 2022, from https://seneca.libanswers.com/faq/195516

Self - Check #2 (Anonymous Poll & Discussion)

While specific requirements depend on your course and/or program, each student writing a capstone must...
Cultivate curiosity in their topic: 1 votes (100%)
Seek out experts in their field: 0 votes (0%)
Discuss plans with their advisor/professor: 0 votes (0%)
All of the above: 0 votes (0%)
None of the above: 0 votes (0%)
Total Votes: 1

The correct answer is All of the Above!


Discussion

Taking those steps will aid in what makes a "good" topic, especially when considering these factors:

What makes a “good” thesis topic? 

  • Originality. You cannot replicate what was done in one of last year’s theses. Ask something new, or ask in a new way.

  • Relevance. Your thesis topic should fit within your discipline and the academic environment you are part of. “Relevance” does not mean it will make sense to your friends back home, or would interest a local paper. It means that when you name your thesis topic to faculty members in your department, they can understand where and how it fits.

  • Feasibility. Many interesting topics are beyond the scope of what an undergraduate can do, either because of necessarily training or because of resources, such as time and money. You can only do what is possible. If your topic is beyond what you can do for your undergraduate thesis, scale down your ambitions for now, tackle some relevant aspect, and set your sights on graduate school.

  • Ethics. You must be able to approach your research in an ethical way. There are standards governing research that you have to meet. This is particularly the case in medicine and psychology, or any social sciences when you want to conduct surveys or research involving direct contact with people.

  • Passion. You will be working on this thesis for the next weeks/months/years of your life. You will spend thousands of hours researching, nuancing, outlining, writing, re-writing, editing, and ultimately defending your thesis. Depending on your post-graduation plans, it could also be something that stays on your CV forever. Pick a topic that’s worth the energy.


Source:

Dwyer, K. (2014, July 7) Thesis writing basics: Choosing an undergraduate thesis topic. My College Advice. https://www.mycollegeadvice.org/blog/2014/7/7/thesis-writing-basics-choosing-an-undergraduate-thesis-topic