Getting Started
Choosing a Topic
Brainstorm topics that interest you.
It's important to choose a topic that interests you because the Senior Project is a long and rigorous endeavor that requires perseverance and effort. It will be easier to complete the research paper if you have a genuine desire to learn more about the topic you choose.
Things to think about as you brainstorm ideas:
• Can I create a product related to my topic choice?
• Does my topic meet the research paper's requirements?
• Will my topic allow me to demonstrate a "learning stretch?"
It's important to choose a topic that interests you because the Senior Project is a long and rigorous endeavor that requires perseverance and effort. It will be easier to complete the research paper if you have a genuine desire to learn more about the topic you choose.
Things to think about as you brainstorm ideas:
• Can I create a product related to my topic choice?
• Does my topic meet the research paper's requirements?
• Will my topic allow me to demonstrate a "learning stretch?"
Narrowing Your Topic
The Pre-Search Process
After choosing a topic, you will need to narrow your topic to arrive at a position or a solution to a problem. But, before you can take a position, you must have enough background information on the topic to argue or support your position.
Performing a pre-search means finding background information on your topic. The background information you find will help you identify possible "search terms" that will help you when you begin your focused research. Search terms are the words you use when searching for information online or in a library. These are the words you see repeated often in the background information you found on your topic during the pre-search process. This is why it's necessary to read about your topic early and take good notes that you can refer to later.
After choosing a topic, you will need to narrow your topic to arrive at a position or a solution to a problem. But, before you can take a position, you must have enough background information on the topic to argue or support your position.
Performing a pre-search means finding background information on your topic. The background information you find will help you identify possible "search terms" that will help you when you begin your focused research. Search terms are the words you use when searching for information online or in a library. These are the words you see repeated often in the background information you found on your topic during the pre-search process. This is why it's necessary to read about your topic early and take good notes that you can refer to later.
Resources
Use the checklist below to see if your topic is a "good" one. This checklist is not required for your senior project, but it could help you evaluate your topic before starting your research.
| developing_a_research_topic.pdf |
The table below can help you with the pre-search process. It asks questions to help you determine which topic may be best suited for you.
| presearch-exploring_the_possibilities.pdf |
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