Getting Started with Research at Shapiro Library
This guide discusses understanding information sources, formulating a topic and search phrase, where and how to search the library for information, how to evaluate sources, how to cite sources, and more.
Narrowing Down or Broadening Your Topic
It is important to choose a topic that has a specific focus. If you select a topic that is too broad, it can be overwhelming to locate information. On the other hand, choosing a topic that is too narrow may make it difficult to find any relevant research. Think about the questions Who? What? Where? When? Why? to help with generating ideas.
Example of Narrowing Down a Research Topic
This infographic shows how to take a broad topic and turn it into a focused research question by asking simple, guiding questions like Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
Additional Resources
Learn more about developing a research question by watching the video below and checking out the additional links.
