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WR122 - Hadley: Topic Selection is Research

Picking Your Topic IS Research

Video created by NCSU Libraries.License, credits, and contact information can be found at http://www.lib.ncsu.edu/tutorials/picking_topic/.

Gather Search Language as You Explore

As you are reading sources and refining your topic, write words and phrases that you could use to find more information on your topic. Search terms can be the names of people, important events or legislation related to your topic. There may be a preferred term or label used to describe your topic.

To collect keywords, subject terms, topic language, and research ideas, you might: 

  • Take out a piece of paper and a writing utensil and take handwritten notes
  • Open a word document and save it to the desktop. Copy and paste or type your notes. Save your work as you go! 
  • Go to your Google Drive and create a Google Doc then copy and paste or type your notes as you go

Getting Reference Help

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  • We recommend that you include an e-mail address so that you can receive a transcript of your chat and so the library can send you any followup help.