Concept Map
Topic Development: Find an Angle
The Goldilocks approach: Not too broad, not too narrow, but juuust right.
The 5 W's approach: Narrow your topic by thinking about Who, What, When, Where, and Why.
The Advanced Search approach: Searches with one term answer "what is...?" type questions. Searches with at least two terms answer more complex questions that you can take a position on.
The 1-minute approach: You have a good working knowledge of your topic when you can talk for an entire minute without stopping.
Depending on your topic and your knowledge about it, you may want to find an overview. An overview can help you narrow your topic, put it in context within its discipline and identify "classic" research. Use the sources below to start or ask a librarian for help.
Jackson, Pamela A, and Patrick Sullivan. 2011. International Students and Academic Libraries : Initiatives for Success. Chicago,Ill.: Association of College and Research Libraries, pg. 111.
Where to Find an Overview on Your Topic
- CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window
In-depth reports of current and controversial issues of the day.
- Points of View Reference Source This link opens in a new windowProvides topics each with an overview, point, counterpoint, and Critical Thinking Guide. Includes essays, leading political magazine articles, newspaper articles, and radio & television news transcripts.
- CREDO Reference This link opens in a new window
Dictionaries, encyclopedias, etc. from a variety of sources.
- Oxford Reference This link opens in a new window
Reference books by Oxford University Press, including the Oxford Digital Reference Shelf.
- Gale Virtual Reference Library This link opens in a new window
Online reference works from a variety of publishers.
- ProCon.orgProCon.org promotes "critical thinking, education, and informed citizenship by presenting controversial issues in a straightforward, nonpartisan, primarily pro-con format."
Need Help?
Wikipedia
Not sure if it's okay to use Wikipedia or a web search as a starting point for your research? Check with your instructor or a librarian!
For an overview of the issue, check out Wikipedia's Citing Wikipedia article!