Narrowing a Topic: Too Much Information!
If your topic seems too broad, consider questions like:
- What do you already know about the subject?
- Is there a specific time period you want to cover?
- Is there a geographic region or country on which you would like to focus?
- Is there a particular aspect of this topic that interests you? For example, public policy implications, historical influence, sociological aspects, psychological angles, specific groups or individuals involved in the topic.
Example:
Original Topic: Government funding of the arts (too broad!)
Focused Time Period: 1930s
Focused Location: USA
Focused event/aspect: New Deal, paintingRefined topic: Federal funding of painters through New Deal programs and the Works Progress Administration.
Broadening a Topic: Not Enough Information!
If your topic is so specific that you can't find sources that specifically address it, consider questions like:- Could you add elements to your topic for examination?
- Could you think more broadly about this topic? Give thought to the wider implications of your research.
- Who are the key players in this topic?
- What other issues are involved in this topic?
Example:
Original topic: What is the effect of deforestation on Colombia's long-term ability to feed its citizens? (too specific!)
Alternative place: South America
Widened focus: agriculture, sustainable development.
Key person or group: United Nations and its subgroups
Alternative event/aspect: birth controlRevised topic: How can the United Nations encourage South American countries to employ sustainable development practices?
