Step 2: Choosing a Topic and Keywords - READ 105 - Analytical Reading Library Research Project - Harold L. Drimmer Library Research Guides at Westchester Community College Library

Select a Research Question

Choose only one question and conduct the proper research to answer the question.

Should there be more government regulation of social media?
Can people increase their emotional intelligence to significantly increase their ability to succeed?
Should colleges require incoming freshmen to reveal physical and emotional disabilities?
Should there be a federal law designating English as the “official language” of the United States?
Should the definition of “sustainable food” be expanded to include sustainable labor practices?
Should there be a federal minimum wage for tipped restaurant workers?
Is there verifiable race or gender discrimination for restaurant workers and, if so, how should this be punishable by law?
Should the legal status of restaurant employees be regulated by stricter laws?
Should the government regulate what we eat?
Can alternative medical strategies (such as vitamins, healers, therapies, and such) improve wellness and relieve stress or are can they be dangerous to one’s health?

Deconstructing the Research Question

All of these questions ask you to take a stand on an issue. Any issue can be considered - and you can search for information about it - by using a model like this.

Choosing and Using Keywords

Here is a sample research question as an example. This is NOT one of your choices; do NOT use it as your topic!

We need to find keywords or phrases -- the words and/or phrases that capture the essence the idea(s) in a research question. Read the research question carefully. What clues can you find in the question - or topic - that will help you find MORE information about those ideas?

Look at some of these examples. Remember: These are not the questions for your project.

Sample question: Why are books and movies about vampires so popular? Keywords highlighted: Why are books and movies about vampires so popular?

Sample question: Should there be a minimum basic income in the United States? Keywords highlighted: Should there be a minimum basic income in the United States?

Sample question: Should corporations have the same rights as individual citizens? Keywords highlighted: Should corporations have the same rights as individual citizens?

In Step 3, you are going to use your keywords or phrases to search for magazine articles about your topic. Remember: Sometimes, you have to try a few different searches, using your keywords or phrases, to find the articles and information that you want.

Now that you've chosen your research question, find the keywords or phrases in your question.

READ 105 - Analytical Reading Library Research Project: Step 2: Choosing a Topic and Keywords

Select a Research Question

Deconstructing the Research Question

Choosing and Using Keywords

Celebrating 75 Years of Excellence!