Evolution of Topic

Steps 

1. Assign a video or handout with guidance on narrowing/focusing a research topic.  For example:
   • Four Steps to Narrow Your Research Topic (3 minutes)
   • Narrowing a Topic and Developing a Research Question | UAGC Writing Center
   • Developing Your Research Topic Workhsheet
   • Narrowing Your Topic Tips – Research Tips and Tricks – Guides at The King’s University College
2. Based on advice from you and/or the resource they consulted, have students follow the steps to narrow their topic.
3. Have students share and compare their narrowed topic with other individuals/groups.

Considerations

Students often fall into the trap of believing that a broader topic will be easier to research when in fact the opposite is true.  Discuss with students how a narrower topic will lead to fewer but more relevant sources which is actually an easier situation for our brains to deal with.  If skepticism persists, remind students that the librarians are quite good at finding sources on narrow topics and very happy to help.  Feel free to share the librarian appointment link with students.