HIST 407: Seminar on the Cold War in Latin America (Zahler)

Starting with a research question means approaching your research with curiosity and an open mind. You should let your question guide you both in practical terms of helping you come up with search terms (keywords) as well as in avoiding bias by assuming you know the outcome or answer.

Check out this tutorial from Arizona State Libraries to get started:

This graphic emphasizes how reading various sources can play a role in defining your research topic.

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Text description of "From Topic to Question" for web accessibility

Narrowing/broadening a topic tips

Narrowing

If your topic is broad, consider asking yourself the 6 Ws (who, what, when, where, why, and how) and trying a combination of these elements with your broad topic:

• WHO: Population (age, gender, ethnicity, etc.)
• WHAT: Type based on the topic (example: topic is renewable energy, types could be wind energy, solar energy, etc.)
• WHEN: Choose a timeframe (time period or time in life)
• WHERE: Choose a location (states, region, country, etc.)
• WHY: Why does it matter to research this topic?
• HOW: How will I go about finding information on this topic?

Examples with the topic concussions in sports:

• WHO: Kid sports and concussions
• WHAT: Kids and football concussions
• WHEN: College football players and concussions
• WHERE: Concussions of college football players in the United States
• WHY: Effects of concussions on college football players later in life
• HOW: Searching sports databases and journals and medical magazines and newspapers

Research Question: What is the effect on adults of sports concussions received in childhood?

Broadening 

If you're not finding information on your topic, it might be too narrow and needs to be broadened. Consider removing a word or element from your research question/thesis/topic.

Image from Unbxd, all rights reserved. Used for educational purposes only under Fair Use.

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You will need to use keywords to search for information online and in library resources. Follow this guidance to identify keywords that will be useful for searching.

Text description of "Brainstorming Keywords" for web accessibility