Select Your Topic
Instructors may sometimes assign you a specific topic
(or choice of topics) for your research paper, but
oftentimes they expect you to choose your own topic. For
some students, selecting a topic is the most difficult
part of doing research.
What is a “good” topic? Generally, it must be:
• Appropriate: It must fit or meet the criteria for the
Assignment: Discuss effects of violence on
Appropriate Topic: Television
cartoons and preschool children
Not Appropriate: Characteristics
of popular TV cartoons
• Interesting: Select a topic that you
are interested in and that you will enjoy researching.
• Manageable: A manageable topic has
enough information available. This may mean refining
your topic so that it is neither too broad nor too
Too much information available on the topic:
Too little information available on the topic:
Abortion in the city of La Puente in 1995-1998
among high school girls.
After reading the above definition, do I
think I have a good topic?
Then Do This:
If yes, double check with the reference
If no, ASK A REFERENCE LIBRARIAN for
help. Some sources for ideas:
• Your textbook or assigned readings
• A general encyclopedia
• “Research Topics,” “Subject Guides,”
or “Controversial Topics” in the Rio Hondo College
Library Web site:
REF LB1047.3.L35 1991
10,000 Ideas for Term Papers, Projects and Reports
• REF LB2369.M463 1987
Sourcebook for English Papers : 1001 Ideas for Term
Papers, Projects, Reports, and Speeches
1000 Ideas for Term Papers in Sociology
1000 Ideas for Term Papers in Social Science
Is my topic too broad or too narrow?
Then Do This:
Narrow your topic by phrasing it as a
sentence or a question.
Too Broad: Bilingual education
Better Topic: Bilingual
education in the elementary schools hampers
Too Broad: Gambling
Better Topic: Does online
gambling lead to an increase in crime?
• Very little information may be
available on topics that are too narrow.
• Take a step back and expand the
Too Narrow: Women’s health
concerns in New Delhi
Better Topic: Women’s health–a
to consult with the Reference Librarian on whether there
is enough information on your topic!
Identify Keywords and Concepts of Your Topic