Find Background Information
Identify Keywords
- Use your readings and notes to identify relevant keywords for your topic
- For example, keywords for the research topic "barriers to community college success" might include:
- Poverty, funding, financial aid
- First generation
- Basic needs: food, housing, transportation, childcare
- Technology
Brainstorming Research Questions
Start with your broad topic

Brainstorm specific research questions. What issues does this topic raise?

Keep asking questions such as who? Why? Where? What?

Continue to drill down your focus

Review your topic map. Which questions are you most interested in? Which are the best fit for your assignment? Highlight keywords and phrases you can use to search for information on this topic.
Source: UCLA Library Inquiry Labs