Topic Development

In the sciences, when we hear “research,” we usually think of labs, fields, prototypes, and experiments. This primary research aims to add new knowledge to the world’s collection of scientific information. However, secondary research—sometimes called desk research—is an important part of all primary research endeavors and is sometimes even published on its own. With secondary research, we identify the knowledge that already exists about our subject matter. The Writing 316 research assignment is asking you to do secondary research.

When developing a guiding question for secondary research, what you’re really asking is, “What do we know about this topic?” You are trying to create a complete and thorough picture of the current state of scientific understanding, so it is vitally important to narrow your topic. Think “dangerously” narrow. Gone are the days when we worry about not having enough sources to prove a point. Your topic should be so focused that you can actually collect and read all the primary research that has already been conducted on it.

View the following examples of broad topics that are combined into one research question to understand how to narrow down a topic:

When you bring two topics together, you are narrowing the information you want to find. This helps you search a research question that won't have overwhelming amounts of information.

The way you word a research question is also important. You don't want to phrase it as a yes or no question if you're going to be searching for reasons why something might be happening.

Read the infographic below and then complete the activity about good phrases to use when wording a research question:

Can’t think of any topics? Remember that the goal of the sciences is to solve problems. What problems exist in your field of study? What challenges are your professors tackling? Other ways to brainstorm topics:

• Do some background reading on Wikipedia. Find a page that interests you and search for words like “Challenge” or “Problem.” 
• Ask your professors. They are aware of ongoing questions, debates, and concerns in your field. 
• Ask your subject librarian. Did you know that there is a secondary research coach for your major? There is! This person is an expert on all stages of the research process. Like your professors, they are aware of the current questions in your field. 
• Check in with a generative AI tool. Though these tools sometimes provide inaccurate information, they excel as a conversation partner. With the right prompt, an AI tool can help you think through potential topics for your research.