This document provides guidance on choosing a research topic. It recommends examining assignment guidelines to choose a manageable topic within the given timeframe. The document suggests starting with a general search using various resources and websites provided. It prompts considering factors like the intended audience, timeframe, available information sources, topic relevance and personal interest. Developing a substantial thesis stating a clear position on the topic after reviewing literature from multiple sides is also advised. An example thesis and outline for a paper on inviting controversial speakers to campus is given.

1. CHOOSING A
RESEARCH TOPIC
University Libraries

2. Some professors provide a list of possible topics that you may choose
from. Other professors provide the assignment guidelines and leave
the topic up to you! The freedom to choose your own topic can seem
exciting, however, this might also make you feel as though you need
further direction. Suddenly, there are so many possible topic choices
that it becomes difficult to choose the right one.

3. Begin by examining the assignment guidelines. When is the due date?
The topic you choose should be manageable for the time frame your
instructor has given you! Too broad of a topic, for example, will make
it difficult to write a substantial 8-10 page paper.

4. Start by conducting a general search using Google, Wikipedia, or
news sources. To the right of this presentation, I have provided a list
of websites that might help you during this brainstorming phase.

5.  Who are you writing for? (your instructor, peers, public)
 What is the time frame for this assignment?
 Where can I look for information to answer this question? (library
databases, books, films, news)
 How relevant is my topic? If the topic is too recent, it may be difficult to
find scholarly, peer-reviewed articles.
 Why does this topic interest me?

6. WWW.LIBRARY.UNLV.EDU
EBSCO
Academic Search
Premiere
Google Scholar
QR Researcher
JSTOR

7. After reviewing literature that represents both sides, you should
begin developing an opinion, or a position. Are you support of your
topic or will you be arguing against it?

8.  Example of a less-substantial thesis: Inviting controversial speakers
can benefit students on a college campus.
 Example of a more-substantial thesis: Inviting controversial speakers
onto a college campus can positively impact its students by providing a
safe space to discuss sensitive subjects, encouraging critical thinking,
and fostering empathy for opposing viewpoints.

9. Placing your newly-developed thesis at the end of your
introduction paragraph gives you organization and your
reader a clear direction for better understanding your
paper.

10. For example:
Inviting controversial speakers onto a college campus can positively
impact its students by providing a safe space to discuss sensitive
subjects, encouraging critical thinking, and fostering empathy for
opposing viewpoints.
Introduction Paragraph
Paragraph 1: Explain sensitive subjects
Paragraph 2: Explain encouraging critical thinking
Paragraph 3: Explain fostering empathy for opposing viewpoints
Conclusion Paragraph