Once you have selected a topic, the next step is to develop a research question.
- Write down what you already know about the topic and what you would like to know.
- Ask the five "W" questions about your topic:
- Who, What, When, Why, How
- Example: Who first domesticated dogs? What challenges did people face when domesticating dogs? When did dogs become a popular pet? Why are humans drawn to dogs? How have dogs evolved from wolves?
- If you are having trouble finding resources on your topic, broaden your search.
- Example: For Cedar Falls, try broadening your search to Iowa or Midwest.
- Example: For first-year college students, try broadening your search to college students.
- Example: For Facebook, try broadening your search to social media or social networking.
