Selecting a topic that interests you

View the transcript

[ Music ]

>> You'll write a better research paper if you choose a topic you're really interested in. Maybe you think you don't have any ideas but there are simple tricks you can use to help brainstorm a great topic.

[ Music ]

If the assignment requires you to create your own topic, try making a list of things that annoy you. Frustration is a strong emotion that you can redirect into a positive effort. Of course, not everything on your list will be an appropriate topic but it's a great way to generate ideas. Another approach is to make a list of your personal interests. If something is interesting to you, you're more likely to enjoy researching it. Ask yourself the following. What do I like to read about? What do I like to do in my free time? Where would I like to volunteer? What's my favorite subject in school? What kind of career do I want? Okay, now you've made a list of what interests you. Let's take a look at your assigned topic, the influence of technology in society. Let's see a list of your frustrations and interests. Now make a list of potential paper topics where the two overlap. Choose the topic that you find the most compelling and write 3 to 5 questions you have about this topic. What led to instant replay? Our referees call now more accurate? How has it affected the game? What technologies are used in sports? What new technologies might be used? Now what about this topic gets your attention? What would you like to learn about it? Where can you find information? Can you write a thesis for this? Asking questions like these will help you focus your research project. Choose a topic that interests you but also one that generates the most research material. This way you'll produce a strong paper your audience will want to read.

[ Silence ]