FYS 100 (38): The Search for the Self: Getting Started

Start by phrasing your subject or general topic in the form of a question.

Then ask yourself further questions about your topic:

• What do you know about it? What don't you know?

• What aspects or viewpoints of your topic interest you? Examples include social, legal, medical, ethical, biological, psychological, economic, political, and philosophical. A viewpoint allows you to focus on a single aspect.
   
• What population do you want to cover? Examples include gender, age, occupation, ethnicity, nationality, educational attainment, species, etc.
• How does your topic fit into a larger system or structure?
   
• Next, look for resources which provide background information. Some selected general and specialized subject sources can help narrow the topic.
   
• Remember, there are two layers of research:
  1) a broad search to discover resources and to read some background information
  2) specific searches for information once you've focused your topic.
   

Link to Narrowing Your Topic: 5 Quick Tips