Select a Topic
Begin by selecting a topic. Your initial topic can be broad (e.g., emotion, development and sleep). You will narrow your topic later, so it is okay if you only have vague ideas now. Your professor or a librarian can help you explore topics, or you can see these lists of ideas:
Form a Research Question
Narrow your interest and decide what question your paper will answer. It seems counterintuitive, but a narrow topic is actually easier to research than a broad one.
| X |
personality |
| X |
dreaming |
 |
How do survivors of stressful events regulate intrusive thoughts? |
Check Your Research Question
Once you answer the 5 Ws, we can finally put together a great research question, but make sure that it passes this final test.
A good research question is...
- Specific
Only answer one main research question in your paper. It seems counterintuitive, but a narrow topic is actually easier to research than a broad one. Instead of mentioning many ideas briefly, focus on just a few points and develop them well.
- Interesting
Consider the assignment an opportunity to learn more about something that interests you. Research is easier and more enjoyable when you pick a topic that interests you.
- Unique
Good research tackles new, unusual topics. Instead of "marijuana legalization", try "How should states use tax revenue generated by legalized marijuana?"