The Research Process: A Guide for OCC Students: 1a. Select a Topic

Before selecting a topic or starting your research, make sure you understand your assignment. Consider:

• Have you been assigned a topic or can you pick your own?
• How many pages/words do you need to write? How long is your presentation?
• Do you need to include specific types of sources (e.g. scholarly journal, book, etc.)?
• When is the assignment due? How much time do you have to research?
• Is currency of information important?

When in doubt, consult with your instructor.

You can get ideas about your topic by running test searches in the library databases. This can also tell you how much information might be available on a topic.

 Can’t think of a topic to research?

• Use this topic aid tool.
• Scan your textbook.
• Peruse current magazines and newspapers.
• Browse encyclopedias, such as Britannica Online.
• Look at the databases listed on this page.
• Discuss topics with your instructor, a librarian or a classmate.

Choose a topic that interests you and will hold your attention. If you do, the research will be more enjoyable!

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