Guide to the Research Process: 1e. Refine a Topic

You are likely to be continuously modifying your topic throughout the research process. This depends on whether:

• there is too much information
• there is too little information
• new issues arise during the research process that you need to address

Broad Topic: Methodism

Narrower Topic: How did the Methodist movement begin?

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Narrow Topic: What are the fundamental beliefs of Calvinism?

Broader Topic:  Calvinist theology

If you are finding too much information, your topic may be too broad. Consider narrowing it by:

• Time period -- 2000-2012; a selection of a few years, etc.
• Geographic location -- City, town, etc.
• Population -- age, race, gender, or other group

• Smaller piece of the topic:

• Genre
• Event
• Aspect
• Discipline or Subject

If you are not finding enough information, your topic may be too narrow. Consider broadening it by:

• Exploring related issues or additional elements
• Identifying the wider implications of your research
• Identifying the key players to be considered in research on your topic
• Comparing or contrasting the topic with another topic
• Expanding the:
  • time period covered
  • population considered
  • geographic area discussed