Topic Suggestions:
Resource Types:
5+ sources
Is your topic too vague? Too broad? There are several methods to help you narrow and focus your research. Explore the following three methods to develop a focused research question or thesis statement.
Subtopics (What?) |
Person(s) (Who?) |
Time Period (When?) |
Location/Place (Where?) |
Other ideas (events, social issues) |
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Search engine algorithms
Facial recognition technology
Social media
Advertising |
Teenagers
Women
African Americans
Doctors/physicians |
Now (current)
Early 2000s |
United States
China
Russia
|
Covid-19
Racial inequality
Sexism
Political polarization |
You can draw your own, or explore the interactive mind maps on the Credo Reference database.
Scholarly journal articles, trade publications, magazines and yearbooks.
Ebsco platform read-aloud feature and screen reader instructions
What? What type of article is this? Who is the intended audience? Is the information based on fact or opinion? Was it written to inform or persuade? Is there a bibliography? |
Article type (circle one):
Comments:
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When? When was this written? Some topics require current information, while other topics value both current and historical information. |
Year published: Comments:
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Who? Who is the author(s)? What type of experience or education do they have? What else have they written? Who published this article? (hint: look for a journal or publication title) |
Author(s): Affiliation: Education: Journal, magazine, or newspaper name: Comments:
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Why? Why did you choose this article? Does it help to refute or support an argument? Provide additional examples or data? Ask yourself if you chose this article simply because it confirms your previously held beliefs. Does the author make any claims that need to be further investigated? Do they list references that you can follow up on? |
Comments: |
Currency | When was it written? Has it been updated or revised? |
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Relevance | Who is it written for? Is it clear and easy to understand? |
Authority | Who is the author(s)? What is their education and experience? |
Accuracy | Is there evidence to support the information? |
Purpose | Is the information based on fact or opinion? Is there evidence of bias? |