Wayne G. Basler Library: Getting Started with Research: 1. Your Question

Where to get Ideas

In some cases, your professor or instructor will give you a topic. In others, you need to come up with your own. Here are some places to get ideas:

Chat with us live online:

Schedule a one-on-one appointment with a librarian for assistance:

Sometimes you have too many ideas... or you have no idea where to begin.

Make sure you understand your assignment. Talk to your professor or graduate assistant if you have any questions.
Think about your interests. What would you like to spend time learning more about? Look over your course materials and lecture notes for ideas. Write down a list of keywords and phrases that interest you.
Use a topic ideas database such as Opposing Viewpoints in Context or SIRS Issues Reearcher. Read current periodicals, browse the internet, and check out reference resources and encyclopedias such as Oxford Reference and Gale Virtual Reference Library.

Be careful not to pick a topic too narrow or too broad. You might not be able to find enough relevant information or you might be overwhelmed with too much information. As you start your research, you might need to adjust your topic.
Check out the Research Guide for your subject area, which will include links to helpful resources.