Refining a Topic

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, painting

Refined 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 control

Revised topic:  How can the United Nations encourage South American countries to employ sustainable development practices?