Topic Selection and Background Information

In this section you will learn how to choose a topic.

In making your choice of a topic, make sure you select a topic:

	that really interests you
	that you can cover adequately within the time and limits assigned
	that isn't too broad that the topic cannot be adequately covered

Example: I would like to write a paper about behavioral theorists.

that isn't so narrow that there are insufficient sources

Example: I would like to write a paper about the strains of mice with different temperature preferences.

Reevaluate the scope of your topic and make sure that your topic is manageable.

I would like to write a paper on the subject of Psychology. I might ask myself what specific aspect in the field of Psychology am I interested in? Some of the general subjects that psychology covers are social psychology, human memory, humanistic psychology, mental health, experimental psychology, psychotherapy, theories of personality, principles of learning, theories of sleep, etc...

In this section you will learn the importance of background information and where to locate it.

Doing background reading first will give you some ideas on determining the scope of your topic and may also lead you to specific sources for further information. By consulting background information you will find:

	an overview of your topic
	ideas on how to limit or expand your topic
	related terms, facts, names, and dates you may use to locate additional information
	lists of recommended sources for further reading about your subject

Suggested Background Information Sources

	General Encyclopedia (linked to definitions)
	Subject Encyclopedia
	Dictionary
	Thesaurus
	Handbook

"Now that you have completed, Selecting a Topic and Locating Background Information, let's move onto the next section. To proceed, click on the Formulating a Search Statement link below."