What are the possible sources of topics for research?

Begin with a Question, Not a Topic, Even if You're Assigned a Topic





Questions that can help you figure out a Topic:


What do I know about the history of my subject?


What causes or effects do I know about it?


What do I need to trace (with my research)?


What cultural issues have been part of the history of this subject?





When starting research for a topic:


Go from the Most General to the Most Specific Information





Books often provide the most readable way into your subject matter (if there are books written on your subject). General articles from reputable magazines are also a good start. Here are some ideas for starting research:





Go to the library and spend 1 hour just looking for titles on your subject(about 40 for a 10 page paper—don't faint, you will eliminate most of them and isolate the 5-6 excellent ones—so many sources promise more than they deliver)





The following link offers students general resources and weblinks to research in the humanities, social sciences, history, and the sciences: http://www.dianahacker.com/resdoc/





It has sample papers for you to look at too!





Once you pick a topic, and look at a few articles about it, write an outline, it really does help you write your research paper.





Good luck!

What are the possible sources of topics for research?
Does the frequency of explosive events in the solar transition region change with the solar cycle?





Or maybe you want to be more specific, with a general area of study, suggested length, and grade level?
Reply:library, school or college library website, books, internet