Printer-friendly versionSuggestions for Finding a Topic
- Discuss your topic ideas with your class instructor.
- Discuss your topic ideas with a reference librarian. It may be wise to set up a research consultation, if your project is lengthy. You can request a personal research consultation using this online form.
- Explore topics using CQ Researcher online. See also Keesing's Record of World Events online for political and historical topics.
- Look over the index and the article titles in a specialized encyclopedia that covers the subject area or discipline of your topic (for example, psychology, United States social history, women's studies, linguistics, environmental studies, etc.). For help locating an appropriate encyclopedia for your subject, consult a reference librarian. You can also use the subject or research guides we have prepared on many topics.
More details on finding and using subject encyclopedias and other background sources.
Return to STEP ONE: Identify A Topic.
Last revised 18 September 2012
Michael Engle URL: http://www.library.cornell.edu/olinuris/ref/research/suggtop.html
Reference Department