The document provides guidance on developing a focused research topic that is neither too broad nor too narrow. It discusses how to determine if a topic is too broad based on the number and relevance of search results, and how to narrow a search using Boolean operators and refined search terms. Similarly, it addresses how to identify a topic that is too narrow by a lack of search results, and how to broaden a search using Boolean operators or changing search terms. Examples are given to demonstrate arranging topics from broadest to narrowest and vice versa. The document concludes by offering tips for developing good research questions for a literature analysis project on Romeo and Juliet.

1. You have been assigned a
research project…

2. Finding Information

3. How do you know if your topic is too
broad?
•Too many results
•Results don’t have the information
you need
•Can only write general statements
•Cannot be covered in detail

4. Narrowing your search
•Boolean Search
•AND, (), “”, etc…
•Change your search terms

5. How do you know if your topic is
too narrow?
•Not enough results
•No results
•No relevant results
•Can be discussed in great detail, but
not enough for assignment

6. Expanding your search
•Boolean search using OR
•Boolean Search using Truncation (*)
•Change your search terms

7. Arrange from Broadest to
Narrowest
Tattoos as body art
Tattooing in Indian Culture
Dyes & pigments used in
Henna tattoos
Body Art
Henna tattooing in
Indian Culture

8. Arrange from Narrowest to
Broadest
Initiation Ceremonies
Top 5 Secret Society
Inductions
Cultural customs
Rituals
Secret Society Inductions

9. 9th Grade
Your Research Topic
• You will be reading “Romeo and
Juliet” by William Shakespeare. You
may conduct research on anything
that has to do with “Romeo and
Juliet”
• Where do you start?

10. Some Questions to help you
• What are some words you would use to search for
this topic? (Keywords / synonyms)
• What are some broader terms?
• What are some narrower terms?

11. Good Research Questions
• Good questions are WELL DEFINED and OPEN
ENDED!
Examples: (how can you make these better?)
• What are the risks of tattoos?
• Does Target ban employees from wearing
tattoos?