Choosing and Narrowing Research Topics

This video tutorial guides students on how to develop a good research topic. It emphasizes the importance of choosing a topic that interests the writer, is creative, and fits the scope of the assignment. The video also provides strategies for narrowing down broad topics by adding geographical, historical, and biological contexts, using the example of deforestation's effects on gorillas.

Why is it important to know how to develop a good research topic?

• To make your paper longer

• To ensure you have something to write about

• To impress your instructor

• To avoid writing about boring topics

What is the first characteristic of a good research topic?

• It should be interesting to you

• It should be easy to research

• It should be controversial

• It should be popular

Why is it important to choose a topic that interests you?

• It makes the research process more enjoyable

• It guarantees a good grade

• It is easier to find sources

• It is what your instructor prefers

What is a benefit of choosing a topic that fascinates you?

• It is easier to find sources

• It is what your instructor prefers

• It makes the writing process more enjoyable

• It guarantees a high grade

What is a key factor in developing a good research topic?

• Choosing a topic that is controversial

• Choosing a topic that is popular

• Choosing a topic that interests you

• Choosing a topic that is easy to write about

What does it mean for a research topic to be creative?

• It should be a topic that is popular among peers

• It should be a topic that is easy to write about

• It should be a topic that is new and exciting

• It should be a topic that has been extensively covered

What is a potential problem with choosing a topic that is too popular?

• It may not fit the assignment scope

• It may be too difficult to research

• It may have been covered extensively

• It may not be interesting to you

Why should you avoid choosing a topic that is too broad?

• It makes it difficult to write a focused paper

• It is harder to find sources

• It is less interesting

• It is not allowed by instructors

What is a characteristic of a topic that is too broad?

• It is too specific

• It is difficult to research

• It is not interesting

• It covers too much information

What is one way to narrow down a broad topic?

• Make it more general

• Ignore the assignment prompt

• Choose a different topic

• Add more context