Selecting a Topic
Finding a Topic
These library databases and Web sites present issues and topics that may be useful when forming your own research topic.
- CQ ResearcherIn-depth, unbiased coverage of health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy.
- Issues & ControversiesSummarizes current issues and controversies in political, economic, social and scientific topics.
- Times TopicsA thorough collection of topics from the 'New York Times.' Each topic includes news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published.
- AllSidesNon-partisan, crowd-sourced technology shows all sides so you can decide.
- ProCon.orgProCon.org is a non-profit public charity. They research controversial and important issues, and present them in a balanced, comprehensive, straightforward, and primarily pro-con format.
- Pew Research CenterNonpartisan fact tank that conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, content analysis and other data-driven social science research.
Check out our Get Started guide in Research Now! for more help with
- Background Research.
Doing background research to explore your initial topic can help you to find create a focused research question - Initial Searching.
Where are some good places to start, especially if you don't know anything (or very little) about your topic? - Forming a Research Question.
Writing out your research question will help you articulate the direction of your research
