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How do I write an academic research paper?
A step-by-step playbook to the research and writing process. Modified with permission from Johnson & Wales University, Denver.
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Betty Sue Jessup Library
501 College Drive
Charlottesville, VA 22902
434.961.5309
reference@pvcc.edu
Is Your Topic Too Broad?
If you are finding too much information, your research topic may be too B R O A D. Consider narrowing it to a more specific:
| Time | Civil War, Iron Age, 1920's, 18th Century |
|---|---|
| Location | Europe, U.S., Denver, urban, eastern |
| Population | age, race, gender, nationality, ethnic group, occupation |
| Event or Aspect | government regulations related to cloning, Battle of the Bulge in WWII |
| Person or Group | college students, Democrats, Republicans |
Broad Topic: Global warming
Narrower Topic: How will climate change impact sea levels and the coastal United States?
Is Your Topic Too Narrow?
If you are finding too little information, your topic may be too NARROW, specialized, or current. Use these strategies to broaden your topic.
|
Generalize |
Generalize your topic. If your topic is the health effects of fracking on the Ft. Lupton community, broaden your topic to all Colorado communities or the United States. |
|---|---|
|
Currency |
If your topic is very current, there may not be books or journal articles available yet. Choose an alternative topic that is not so recent. |
| Database Choice | Use other databases in your subject area or consider databases in a related subject area which might cover the topic from a different perspective. |
| Synonyms | Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for your topic. When reading background information, note the terminology that is used. |
| Related | Explore related issues. |
| Expand / Remove | Expand or remove: location, time period, aspect, event, population, person/group. |
Example of a Narrow Topic: Does cartoon viewing cause aggression in children under age five?
Broader: What are the negative effects of TV on children and adolescents?