Select Your Topic - PSYCH 122 - Research Methods - Research Guides at Modesto Junior College Library

Select A Meaningful Topic

Whenever you are given the freedom to do so, select a topic that genuinely interests you and/or is relevant to your life. Do a quick inventory:

What makes you tick? What defines you?
What problems affect you or someone close to you?
What do you think the biggest problem in society is?

You'll want to consider the following issues before you select your topic:

Will it sustain my interest?
Does it fit the parameters of my assignment?
Is credible information on this topic readily available?

Sources to Help You Generate Topic Ideas

In considering what topic you want to research, begin thinking about what you've learned in class so far that interests you. You can also start to think about possible topics that you've heard or read about or one that affects you personally.

Below are some sources that can help jumpstart this process:

Handbook of Psychology
Call Number: BF121 .H213 2013 (East Campus)
Use this award-winning twelve-volume reference set to discover the current knowledge in the field with chapters on virtually every topic in the subject area, from established theories to the most current research and developments. This set is a great way to find out what scholars and theorists are working in your topic area. Some of these volumes are available as eBooks.

Gale eBooks This link opens in a new window
Use this database for preliminary reading as you start your research. You'll learn about your topic by reading authoritative topic overviews on a wide variety of subjects.