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FYWS - College Literacy: Topic/Research Question

Choose a Topic

Find ideas in:

  • Your syllabus
  • Your text
  • Class discussion
  • Your life
  • Current events

Develop a Research Question

Formula for a research question:

     How does x relate to/cause/impact y?

A good research question usually has at least one or more components that further define the focus. Use the 5 w's to narrow your topic. 

Find Background Information

Background information helps you: 

  • Start thinking about your topic
  • See the big picture
  • Identify major issues
  • Discover something that interests you

Use quality, professionally produced sources to familiarize yourself with the topic (not just Google and Wikipedia).

For example:

Narrowing Your Topic

Use the 5 w's:

Ask yourself open-ended questions to focus your topic.
  • What: part, aspect, focus   
  • Who: demographic focus (gender, age, ethnicity, socioeconomic status)
  • Where: geographic location
  • When: either present day or a particular time period in the past
  • Why/How/So What!: importance, impact (societal, individual)

 

Keep in Mind:

  • You don't have to answer all of the questions. Some might not apply or be helpful.
  • Your research question might evolve and change as you review the literature.

Develop Your Argument

Broad Topic Sub-Topic Narrowed Topic Argument
Television & Violence Effects of television violence on behavior Effects of television violence on children's behavior Children exposed to television violence are likely to use violence to solve conflicts with other children.
Television & Body Image Effects of television on body image and self-esteem Effects of television on the body image and self-esteem of teenage girls Beauty and body standards promoted on television contribute to eating disorders in teenage girls.

Keep in Mind:

Your argument might evolve and change as you do your research.