https://www.mindmapart.com/health-mind-map-jane-genovese/
Students often are uncertain about choosing a research topic for assignments, and or how to come up with a topic for their a research proposal. Your backgrounds at this stage often differ from the typical experienced researcher.
On this page, find specific strategies to help you get started:
KEEP IN MIND: Research topics aren't set in stone and choosing a research topic isn't always a straightforward process. As you begin to look for articles on your initial topic, your research idea may evolve along a new path. That's okay! It's all part of the research process.
Watch this nifty (and helpful) little library video from NSCU on the process of picking your research topic:
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO VIEW: Okay, ignore the silly beginning, because this video is a great (and short!) overview on how to select a research topic that's manageable for your assignment. Nice tips on narrowing a huge topic by considering the angles of WHO, WHAT, WHERE, WHY, WHEN, or HOW. Also, tips to keep from making a topic too narrow. (See box on right "Narrowing your topic" for other examples.)
[Produced by John M. Pfau Library of California State University at San Bernandino.]
After you conduct a review on your topic, you should discover what is already known and what research questions remain regarding your topic. Your research question will most likely derive from the recent literature. What remains to be known and studied about your issue? Which 'implications for future research' were stated in the articles you found?
| Health topic | Too broad | Too narrow | Just Right |
| Rehabilitation for brain injuries | X | ||
| Mirror therapy for brain-injured or stroke patients with partial paralysis | X | ||
| Health benefits of whole grains in one’s diet | X | ||
| What are the causes of sprains in athletes? | X | ||
| What are the best treatments for itching (pruritus) in hospitalized patients? | X | ||
| Health needs of elderly residents in Charlotte County after Hurricane Charley in 2004 | X | ||
| Does exercise improve mental health? | X | ||
| Pet therapy with a dog for an autistic child, age 5 | X |
| Research topic | Sample refined research question |
| Rehabilitation for brain injuries | Is mirror therapy effective for brain-injured or stroke patients with partial paralysis or gait disorders? |
| Health benefits of whole grains in one’s diet | Are whole grain cereals preventative for cardiovascular disease? |
| What are the causes of sprains in athletes? | What are common risk factors for ankle sprains in adult athletes? |
| What are the best treatments for itching (pruritus) in hospitalized patients? | Comparison of two or more topical agents for effectiveness in reducing Pruriceptive pruritis |
| Health needs of elderly residents in Charlotte County after Hurricane Charley in 2004 | What are the most prevalent post-hurricane health needs of elderly Florida residents with chronic health conditions? |
| Does exercise improve mental health? | Does an outdoor physical activity program improve the m.h. status of adults with clinical depression? |
| Pet therapy with a dog for a 5 year-old autistic child | Does pet therapy provide benefits in social interaction and learning in children on the autistic disorder spectrum? |
