• Make sure your topic is specific. Try to express your topic as a question or as a single concrete statement.
• Identify the main concepts or keywords associated with your topic. If you are studying a complex process or event, it may be helpful to express the concept in several more simple words. Avoid buzzwords and jargon. Remember that many concepts can be expressed in a number of ways. Watch for useful words and phrases as you do your research.
• It is often a good idea to do some preliminary research before finalizing your topic. Make sure that you will be able to locate useful information. The best topics are often those that have been refined through early research. See Locating Sources of Information, Evaluating Print Resources and Evaluating Web Sites for more assistance.
• If you will be studying a company or industry, then see our guide to Company & Industry Research. The section entitled Starting Blocks will point out the basic facts you will need to know before beginning research on a particular company or industry. Our Industry Data Finder will point you to industry-specific resources on the Internet and in the Cole Library.

Try the following steps if you are having difficulty choosing a topic:

• Scan recent journals and magazines that focus on your subject area. This will help you to identify trends, recent developments and key concepts.
• Read background material in specialized encyclopedias and dictionaries to help focus and narrow your topic. These articles may present an overview of the topic, identify key people, places and events, and verify facts and dates.
• Check for bibliographies when scanning journals and encyclopedia entries. These can provide excellent leads to start your reseach.