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.
- 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.
- 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.
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
