Introduction

The first step in writing a research paper is choosing a topic. In some cases your instructor may assign you a topic or give you a list to choose from. In other cases you will be allowed to pick a topic. This page includes a few hints for choosing your own topic along with some recommended resources.

Table of Contents

• Choose a topic
• Considerations
• Get ideas
• Useful resources
• Search Strategy
• Questions

Choose a topic that:

Some considerations:

Some places to get ideas:

• Your interests - What do you read about? Talk to your friends about? Watch on TV?
• Your textbook - Your text discusses current controversies, important theories, people, etc.
• Current newspapers or periodicals - Browse through some issues in Periodicals on Floor 2.
• General and specialized encyclopedias - Browse the Reference Stacks on the Main Floor.
• QUINCY, the library's online catalog. Type in your topic.
• Web directories such as the Google Directory. Browse through the topic areas.
• Ask your instructor - She is an excellent source of information and suggestions.
• Browse through the resources listed below.

Some useful resources:

• Print
  • 10,000 ideas for term papers, projects, reports, and speeches : intriguing, original research topics for every student's need / Kathryn Lamm.
    REF LB1047.3 .L35 1998
  • 1000 ideas for English term papers by Robert A. Farmer
    820.7 F229o
• Web
  • CQ ResearcherGreat research on current issues
    
  • Public Affairs Information Service Hot Topic List
    Topics relevant to contemporary public issues such as international tourism, women's health, the digital divide. Includes recommended print and web resources.
  • Documents in the News
    Provides resource links to hot topics in the news. Mostly government documents.
  • The New Scientist Magazine Hot Topics
    Includes hot topics that have been covered in the magazine, topics relate to technology and science.
  • Public Agenda Online
    Includes list of hot topics related to current policy issues affecting Americans including abortion, crime, education, gay rights, etc. Gives different perspectives on major issues.
  • SpeakOut.com Issues
    Activist web site, includes newspaper stories on hot topics such as abortion, napster, gun control, the environment, etc.
  • Justice Learning
    A collaberation of NPR's Justice Talking and the New York Times Learning Network

Develop a Research Strategy:

Questions

The Reference Librarians are here to help you with your research. For students doing in-depth research, we recommend that you schedule an appointment with a librarian. To request an appointment contact us at refquest@kutztown.edu or 610-683-4165. Reference librarians are available 7 days a week. Reference desk service hours during the regular semester are: