chapter 2
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Chapter 2. Choosing a Topic. 9510009A Lin 9510071A Troy 9510097A Hamon. How to Choose a Topic. Pick a Topic You Like Go to the Library and Browse Online Public-Access Catalog( OPAC ) Electronic Storage Sources , CD-ROMs Search on the Internet Encyclopedia - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
1. Pick a Topic You Like2. Go to the Library and Browse
Online Public-Access Catalog( OPAC)
3. Electronic Storage Sources, CD-ROMs4. Search on the Internet5. Encyclopedia6. Take time Searching for a topic7. General Interests
2b-1 Topics that are Too BIG
References Sources -> FilesBibliography -> WeedsOpinions, Data and Information -> Come Pouring
Narrow the Topic
Lots of Books about your topic in the library Too Big
Too Big
2b-2 Topics based on a Single Source
Different AuthoritiesVariety of Books, ArticlesOther References
The data which come from Single Source Defeating the Purpose of the paper
Research Paper( Topics Broad Enough)
Multiple Sources
Ex: The life of a person( Single Source)( Famous People) Compelling Biography Overquote
V.S.
( Marginal People) Single Biography Wasting Time
A person Approach( A Variety of Sources)Ex: James Monroe Monroe Doctrine( Multiple Sources)
2b-3 Topics that are Too TechnicalTechnical Jargon Snow Job( Depends on the Class)
Teach > Learned( General Topic)Ex: “Heisenberg’s Principle of Indeterminacy as It Applies to
Subparticle Research” Physics English
2b-4 Topics that are Trivial Ex: The History of the Tennis Ball
Safest Way Ask your Instructor
Good Topic Be made Trivial by its Treatment Ex: “ Fictional Detective on Foreign Postage Stamps”
( Insignificant Topic)
Trivial Obvious Ex: Walking is good aerobic exercise( So Tame)
2b-5 Topics that are Overused Subject of Heated Debate Temperate Tone
Overused
Importance in the Public Consciousness
Overused Topic( Parrot New Angle) Ex: Abortion Effects of the RU-486
2b-6 Topics that are Contemporary
Avoided Reasons
Contemporary Topic( Hotly Debated at the Moment)
1. Unbiased Sources2. Newspapers and Magazines( Unbelievable)
Variety Sources( Books, Periodicals Reference Volumes, Specialized Indexes, and variety of Electronic Sources)
Solid Papers
Including Topics that has weathered both Time and Scholarly Commentary
1. Search for Sources that helps you Narrow the topic.
2. Is your topic Arguable?
3. Make Trials and Error until you have a Suitable Topic you like.
4. Make sure the topic is Approved by your Instructor.
General Subject First Narrow Second NarrowMythology Beowulf The oral tradition in
Beowulf
Migrant Workers California migrant workers
Major California
Labor laws and their impact on Mexican migrant workers
John F. Kennedy John F. Kennedy’s cabinet
The contribution of Averell Harriman as U.S ambassador to
Russia
Russia The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917
The role of Leon Trotsky in
revolutionary Russia
China Chinese agriculture The effect on China of its agricultural policies
during the past 10 years
Indians Famous Indian fighters Major Roger’s Rangers during the Indian wars
Nature’s carnivores Parasites The ichneumon wasp and its parasitic hosts
Educational psychology
Psychological testing in schools
The Thematic Apperception Test
(TAT) and its present-day adaptations