I need help narrowing my research topic, my ideas are all too broad in scope.
Answer
When your research topic is too broad, ask yourself these questions:
- Who?
- What?
- When?
- Where?
- Why?
Our broad topic example: Criminal Activity
Who: Populations such as... age, gender, race or ethnicity
New topic idea: Criminal activity in white males
New topic idea: Criminal activity in older females
What: Types of criminal activity
New topic idea: Murder tendencies in white males
New topic idea: Theft tendencies in older females
When: Time frames such as... current or historical, period of life
New topic idea: Rum runners in the 18th century
New topic idea: Crimes committed by middle-aged females
Where: Places, such as... states, regions, countries
New topic idea: White collar crimes in Great Britain
New topic idea: Pick-pockets in New York City
Why: Evaluate... causes, treatments, outcomes
New topic idea: Successful methods for preventing home invasion
New topic idea: Rehabilitation of criminals who have committed murder
Combine any number of elements from these questions until you find an interesting topic to research. For very narrow topics, combine elements from at least three of these questions. If you find your topic is too narrow, eliminate an element.
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