LibGuides: Human and Social Services: Choosing a topic

Resources For Finding Topics

When looking for a topic you may:

-Scan current magazines or newspapers.

-Research something you heard in the news or in another class.

-Browse library databases for a topic. (see database links below)

Use these links to connect to the research databases.

Academic Search Complete
Designed specifically for academic institutions, is the world's most comprehensive scholarly, multi-disciplinary full-text database, with more than 5,300 full-text periodicals, including 4,400 peer-reviewed journals.
CQ Researcher
Newspaper Source
Provides full text for 185 national (U.S.) and international newspapers, including Christian Science Monitor, USA Today, The Washington Post, The Washington Times, The Times (London), Toronto Star, etc. The database also contains selective full text for 392 regional (U.S.) newspapers.

When you are asked to do a research project on a topic of your choice...

Choose a topic which interests you! Your progress will usually be faster and more fullfilling.
Don't pick the same topic that your friends are doing. Make this project your own!
Select a topic with a moderate amount of published information. If your topic is too broad there may be an overwhelming amount of information. If your topic is too narrow, there may not be enough information. Remember, if you choose a very current topic you may not find a lot of published information.
Be flexible! It is highly likely that during the course of your research project, you will have to modify your topic at least once. Too little published information may require you to broaden your topic. Too much information may require you to make your topic more specific. Be sure to start early!
Talk with your instructor. If you experience difficulty in finding or refining your topic, talk with your instructor before spending too much time on the project.