English

1. Module 2-A -- Research Process: Topic Selection & Refinement English/Library Unit

2. Before choosing a topic, ask � What is the nature of the assignment? Is it a short presentation or a 20 page term paper? Who is the audience? Usually your instructor, but not always. What is its purpose? Prove a theory, argue a point, � What are your interests? How much do you already know?

3. Subject vs. Topic A subject is a broad area of study, such as politics or health care. Such general subjects are too broad to be manageable as a research topic. Start with a general subject; then narrow it into a focused topic

4. To generate ideas for a narrowed topic, � Do some preliminary reading to get background information. Use your personal experience/knowledge. Use prewriting strategies that work for you, such as brainstorming, clustering, etc. Talk to others, e.g., instructors, librarians, even other students.

5. Tools to use to narrow your topic: Library Catalog see the subject terms or headings Indexes and Databases Subject or General Encyclopedias These may be print or electronic Subject Bibliographies These may also be print or electronic

6. Using the Catalog for Ideas

8. Using the Databases for Ideas

9. Using the Databases for Ideas

11. Other online resources you can use to refine your topic and conduct research include: World Book Advanced See the Overview & Customer Training under Tutorials Other online encyclopedias, such as: Encarta Information Please Pathfinders on Internet Public Library Reference Center in NetLibrary

12. Use print resources for ideas. Browse through a general encyclopedia to narrow your topic. World Book, Britannica, etc. Subject encyclopedias will have more detail on their specific subjects, offering more ideas to refine your topic.

13. Sample print subject encyclopedia on � Politics: for ideas, browse the contents & index. Encyclopedia of American Government, ���� ����Bessette, Joseph M. 4 volumes: Contents: v. 1. Accountability in government to criminal justice system v. 2. Declaration of independence to juvenile justice v. 3. Labor law to right to die v. 4. School law to women in politics and Index.

14. Using Bibliographies Bibliographies are lists of sources. They can be found as parts of other books, including textbooks, articles, or as separate publications. They may be print or online. Sample print bibliography on politics: The American Presidents : an Annotated Bibliography, Cohen, Norman S.A Annotated means that there is more information about the sources listed than just the title, author, etc. These can also be helpful.

15. Why narrow my topic? It allows you to focus your research on a specific aspect of a subject. It makes searching for information easier. Be careful not to become too specific or obscure � it may be harder to find information if your search is too narrow.

16. Topic Development Identify key terms & concepts Note related concepts Come up with a research question that addresses the key terms & related concepts. Take notes as you go, being sure to identify your sources. Develop your thesis statement.

17. What is a Thesis Statement? It indicates what you intend to prove and establishes the focus of your paper. It may consist of two or more sentences. To be effective, it must be more than just a simple statement of fact. Use the key terms and concepts for your topic in your thesis statement. You will also use these key terms and concepts when searching for information (your search strategy).

18. Develop a Working Outline This helps to organize your ideas and information, and gives structure to your paper or project. It can be informal or formal. When you start an outline is up to you. It can be used as a prewriting tool to help refine your topic and organize your research OR It can be used to organize information that you have gathered from your preliminary readings. Either way, your outline will change as you gather more information; it IS a working document.

19. Narrowing a Topic - Examples Politics Political campaigns Campaign finance reform Private contributions (related concept) How has campaign finance reform affected private contributions made to candidates? A possible thesis statement: Campaign finance reform has resulted in private donors to be �� (The end of this statement would depend on the evidence uncovered in your preliminary research.)

20. Health care Women�s health Breast cancer treatment Diet or nutrition (related concept) Does diet have an impact on the outcomes of breast cancer treatment in women? A possible thesis statement: Outcomes of breast cancer treatment in women are � affected by diet. �.(Again, the rest of this statement would be based on the gathered research.) Narrowing a Topic - Examples

21. Once you have narrowed your topic and developed your thesis, you need to determine the following: How detailed does my information need to be? What types of information sources will I need to use? Information Needs

22. Information Needs A position paper may require different types of resources than would a longer research paper. A report on a current event would need sources different than those required for a historical or critical analysis. Your instructor may also require certain types of resources and may even disqualify others.

23. See the next section to find out about information sources