Finding Your Topic Through Research
Use the "BROWSE ISSUES" section of the Global Issues database to help you FIND a topic - then start the steps to develop your thesis
#1. Develop Research Questions
Once you have selected a topic, the next step is to develop research questions.
- Write down what you already know or don't know about the topic.
- Use that information to develop questions.
- Use probing questions. (why? what if?)
- Avoid "yes" and "no" questions.
- Use probing questions. (why? what if?)
#2. Identifying Key Words
The keywords you use can have a profound impact on the results of your research. Using the “right” words will speed up the research process, while the “wrong” words can bring to it to a halt.
Before you can begin searching for information, you need to identify keywords related to your topic. Key terminology can be easily be found by scanning:
- Your research questions
- Articles found from background research
- Bibliographies found at the end of books and articles
If you are still struggling:
- Use a thesaurus to identify synonyms.
- Brainstorm keywords with a librarian, your instructor, or a friend.
- Use a keyword search Strategy Sheet
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Key Word Searching
Keyword Search Strategy SheetUse this sheet to help you created your own keyword search for the topic of your research.
#3. Find Background Information
Once you have identified some keywords, the next step is to find background information on your topic. Background research:
- Provides a good overview of the topic if you are unfamiliar with it.
- Helps identify important facts -- terminology, dates, events, history, organizations, etc.
- Can help refine your topic.
- Leads to bibliographies which provide additional sources of information.
#4. Research!!!
Selected Databases for World Issues
EBSCO World History 
Selected Websites for World Issues
The World Factbook
Provides information on the history, people, government, economy, geography, communications, transportation, military, and transnational issues for countries around the world.
Pew Research Center
ABOUT PEW RESEARCH CENTER Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research.
BBC World News
An international news and current affairs television channel.
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Guide to World ReligionsFrom the BBC
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Internet Modern History SourcebookThe primary source material in this collection covers the modern and ancient history of countries around the world. Includes legal and political documents, contemporary narrative accounts, personal memoirs, songs, and newspaper reports, as well as cultural, philosophical, religious, and scientific documents.
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Media History ProjectDigitized collections of classic media periodicals that belong in the public domain for full public access.
Primary Source Websites
Search these collections and databases for Primary Sources!
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New York Public Library Digital CollectionsAccess to almost 800,000 documents - Locate manuscripts, maps, rare prints, photos and more.
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Library of CongressThe largest library in the world!!
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Life Photo ArchiveFind Life Magazine photos from multiple decades.
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The Historical Text ArchiveA database of full-text articles, and links to other digitized primary sources.
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