Developing a Research Topic
Once you have selected an initial topic, the next step is to develop research questions. To begin:
- Write down what you already know or don't know about the topic.
- Using the information you wrote down, develop questions you'd like to answer when doing your research.
- Use probing questions such as why? how? what if? should?
- Avoid questions that can be answered with yes or no.
The one minute video below provides more tips.
Find Credible and Scholarly Articles
- Gale Virtual Reference LibraryBackground information helps you understand your research topic better by providing definitions and context.
- Communication and Mass Media Complete (CMMC)Best place to look for articles in communication research.
- Academic Search Complete This link opens in a new windowA great place to begin your research. You will find scholarly articles in many different subjects. Limit to academic (peer reviewed) sources.
Academic Search Complete Search Results
This clickable image is focused on Academic Search Complete search results and provides pop-ups explaining each important element.
