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Research Toolkit
Define Topic
Background sources such as encyclopedia, your textbook, course materials, or your notes can assist you in defining your topic. You will need to think about your topic so that it is not too broad or too narrow.
Answer the following to define your topic:
- What broad subject area(s) does your
topic fall under?
Art?, History?, Science?, Business?, Other?
Determining the broad subject area for your topic will help you select and search sources. - List what you know about your topic –
who, what, when, where, why, and how.
Do this by making a list of people, keywords, concepts, etc. that are relevant to your topic. - What is your thesis statement or research question? What would you like to find out about your topic?
Activity
Download the following pdf document to fill/save or print out to take notes: Define Topic Handout
