Library: Choosing a Research Topic: Home

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Library Databases for Topic Exploration

Before choosing a topic, it is important to understand the assignment. What parameters has your instructor set for an appropriate topic? Are you writing an argumentative essay or an information essay? Try browsing in the Hot Topic databases:

Biography (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new window Biographical information from periodicals, encyclopedias, and dictionaries
Global Issues (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new window International viewpoints on a broad spectrum of global issues, topics, and current events.
Issues & Controversies This link opens in a new window Covers hundreds of hot topics in politics, government, business, society, education, and popular culture.
Opposing Viewpoints (Gale in Context) This link opens in a new window Argumentative essays, periodical articles, and web resources for social and political issues.
Pop Culture Universe: Icons, Idols, Ideas (Academic) This link opens in a new window Pop Culture Universe: Icons, Idols, Ideas applies an academic lens to the seemingly everyday aspects of American life and interest to facilitate meaningful sociological and historical insights. The database is organized chronologically from 1900 through the new millennium, with each topic center devoted to a unique decade in American history. The primary sources in each topic center—including photographs, video, and audio—give life to the names, moments, works, and trends that have defined American pop culture, from the Gibson Girls of the Gilded Age to the social media of the 21st century, while expertly authored secondary sources—including original journal articles—explore the role of popular culture in American history.
Topic Finder This link opens in a new window Find new topics or keywords and discover new connections found in the top results.

How to Choose a Topic for Research

Watch the video then check your understanding with the drag and drop activity below.

Check Your Understanding

Gathering Background Informatioin

When you are ready to explore a topic further, gather some background information.

Use reference databases such as Gale eBooks and Credo Reference for encyclopedia articles and overview essays to learn more about a topic. Background information can help you identify keywords, as well as specific issues or subtopics to research further. Gale Topic Finder

Then, talk with your family, friends, or a librarian. Having a conversation about your ideas can help you focus in on a topic. Use the 24/7 Ask a Librarian service for more assistance choosing a topic.

Adapted from Phoenix College's Choosing a Topic Library FAQ. Used with permission.