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If you can, select a topic for your paper, speech, project (etc) that interests you. You'll find that it's easier to locate and synthesize information on something you like. Frequently, though, undergraduates are assigned a topic by the instructor or will need to select a topic from a limited list of choices. You still have to put your efforts into making it real for you and sufficiently interesting for others.
Consider these as you select your research topic
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Pick a subject that interests you and that you can relate to. You'll find it easier to do research on it.
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Does the subject match what your instructor wants? Does it meet the objectives of the assignment?
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Can you find information on this subject? It may be the 'hot topic' of the day, but there may be little information available. Topics may also be so popular that the literature is checked out or missing. The most popular undergraduate topics seem to focus on alcoholism, AIDS, drug abuse, Alzheimer's Disease, and similar topics. Consider doing some background reading before settling on one topic.
Consider how much information is available on your topic
| Subject is too general….LOTS of information available… |
The Drug Problem in America
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| Still too broad |
Drug Use in Schools |
| Narrow, with sufficient information available |
Drug use in Colorado schools |
| Too narrow, with insufficient information |
Teenage drug use in Pueblo middle schools |
| Too general |
Education |
| Still too general |
Literacy and public school enrollment |
| Feasible |
Colorado reading levels, K-6 |
| Too narrow |
Poverty-Literacy Comparison in Pueblo |
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