Research Guides: Getting Started with Research: Topics + Research Questions

Picking Your Topic IS Research!

Get ideas for topics from an online resource, such as one of the following:

CQ Researcher
Explore current issues and controversies. Each illustrated CQ report includes an overview, historical background, chronology, pro/con feature, plus resources for additional research. Browse CQ for research topics if you are looking for ideas.
Points of View Reference Center
A good starting place when researching controversial topics or writing an opinion paper. Has hundreds of topics, each with an overview, point, counterpoint and critical thinking guide.
US Newsstream
Local, regional, national, and international newspapers. 1977 to present. Can also be searched via ProQuest Central.

5 Brainstorming Strategies for Writers
by Mark Nichol on the Daily Writing Tips website
Brainstorming
from The Writing Center at UNC - Chapel Hill
How to create a mind map
This page from RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia shows how to use mind mapping first to brainstorm topics and then to organize your thoughts and outline your paper.