A topic may be:
1. assigned by your professor
2. developed through discussion
3. developed by reading or via the media
4. of personal interest
5. based on professional experience
A topic should:
-- be very interesting to you
-- not be too broad and not be too narrow
For example, you may decide on a topic while reading a book or while listening to the news.
Further develop your topic as you locate information. You may need to broaden or narrow it.
Use this guide, the Cressman Library Researching LibGuide, to get started and to refer to throughout the research process.
Also, download the Search Strategies document for a checklist of steps to follow.
Research questions will answer, for example:
WHO - Who is affected by the topic?
WHAT - What impact? What effect?
WHEN - Current? Historic?
WHERE - Local? International?
"What effect does global warming have on public health in the United States?"