Searchpath is an online tutorial where you learn how to use Library resources effectively.
To take the Searchpath tutorial click here
Searchpath is divided into six modules. Here are direct links to them
10,000 Ideas for Term papers, Projects, Reports and Speeches by 
Social Issues in America: An Encyclopedia
Once you identify a topic of interest, your next task is to focus your research. It can be challenging to find a focus, especially if you know little about the topic you’ve chosen to explore. Here are three strategies that Librarians recommend:
1. Go back to “why” you chose your topic. What made you choose your topic in the first place?
2. Pay attention to what aspects of your topic others are exploring or have researched already. As you read, note what “grabs” you.
3. Talk to others about your topic. Having your topic reflected by someone else can often spark great ideas.
See the Colorado State Univ Library Tutorial for more tips on how you can focus your topic.
Think of your research questions as a “grocery list” designed to guide you through a huge “storehouse” of information. This list will prevent you from getting off track as you sift through large quantities of information. Your list of questions may change and/or expand as your research progresses.
Brainstorm more questions. Using what you learned from your initial background research, come up with some more questions. Think of both defining questions and analytical questions.
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Defining Questions |
Analytical Questions |
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What is X? |
What are the causes of X? |
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What is the history of X? |
What are the effects of X? |
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What background information is necessary to understand X? |
What are the pro/con arguments about X? |
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Why is X an important issue? |
What is being done about X? |
Make your final question one of self-discovery. Your instructors don’t want you to merely report on your topic; they want you to spend time reflecting on your research and coming to your own conclusions. It is essential to let them know you’ve done this critical thinking about your issue.
“Based on my research, what do I ultimately think about the issue of X? Why? What do I think should be done about X?”
Background research helps you identify the “who, what, when, why, where” information on your topic. Reference books and article databases offer useful topic overviews and usually include bibliographies leading you to more specific sources on your topic. Background research sources can begin to answer some of your research questions, and give you ideas of new questions to ask.
Conduct background research because: