Choose a Topic
Finding a research topic that is interesting, relevant, feasible, and worthy of your time may take a lot of time and effort. Remember that as you are searching for a research topic, you will need to be able to find enough information about your topic(s) in a book or scholarly journal. If you can only find information about your topic(s) in current event sources (newspapers, magazines, etc.) then the topic might be too new to have a large body of published scholarly information. Do some background work on a couple of topics before choosing one that may not have a lot of sources.
Background Information
When conducting research, it is helpful to know as much as possible about the topic as possible. An excellent place to gather such information is in subject encyclopedias. A subject encyclopedia will provide what is already know about the topic in detail, explaining exactly what the topic is about, who is involved, where it takes place, when it began, why it is a controversy and how it impacts other issues. Once you have a handle on the facts of the topic, you can narrow it down to an aspect you care enough about to investigate it with an open mind. Below are some suggested topics:
Develop a Research Question
Developing a research question is a process. You will not know your research question until you have done some preliminary research. You must find sources that discuss your ideas. As you learn more about your topic, your question will materialize and take shape. It will also change and shift. This is perfectly normal! Consider using the 5 Ws to help you narrow your topic and develop a research question.
Use the 5 Ws to narrow your topic
The Five W criteria can add context to your investigation and turn a topic into a research question.
- WHO describes an individual or select population you are investigating.
- WHAT describes a specific aspect or element that directly impacts the WHO.
- WHEN is a time frame in which you might limit your investigation
- WHERE is a geographical location where you might focus.
- WHY is the reason why this investigation is important or meaningful. The WHY is not necessarily a part of the final research question but more informative of the scope of the project in general.
Background Resources
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Disability in American Life
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Call Number: REF HV 1553 .D5474 2019 v.1 & v. 2Publication Date: 2018-12-07Disability--as with other marginalized topics in social policy--is at risk for exclusion from social debate. This multivolume reference work provides an overview of challenges and opportunities for people with disabilities and their families at all stages of life. -
Encyclopedia of Special Education, Volume 1
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Publication Date: 2014-01-28The only comprehensive reference devoted to special education -
Encyclopedia of American Disability History
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"Encyclopedia of American Disability History" is the first encyclopedia to focus on this important topic in American history. By examining the issues, events, people, activism, laws, and personal experiences and social ramifications of disability throughout U.S. history, this comprehensive three-volume reference provides a new and broader, more inclusive approach to our nation's past. -
Encyclopedia of Neuropsychological Disorders H/C
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This book serves as an A-Z reference that addresses the neuropsychological aspects of 300 neurological, neuropsychiatric, and neuromedical disorders. -
Epilepsy A to Z: A Concise Encyclopedia
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" Epilepsy A-Z is a unique compendium that provides a ""bullet"" of epilepsy-related information that is ideal for quick and easy reference. Key points are summarized with current references and applicable graphics to give the reader an immediate and direct presentation that makes Epilepsy A-Z a must-have for the busy clinician. -
The Encyclopedia of Sports and Recreation for People with Visual Impairments
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The Encyclopedia of Sports & Recreation for People with Visual Impairments is the first consumer- focused, action-oriented guide to this new world of accessible activity, profiling the people, programs, and products that are helping move blind and visually impaired people from the sidelines into the game. This groundbreaking guide profiles every accessible blind sport and recreation activity with entries that outline how athletes (both novice and elite) got involved in the sport and how participation has shaped their life.
