Topic selection and development isn’t just an early step in the research process—it’s one of the most important. Research, like life, can move smoothly at times, but it often presents challenges such as:
Not finding enough relevant information
Being overwhelmed by too much information
Encountering the same sources repeatedly
Struggling to locate academically credible sources
Having difficulty understanding complex materials
Feeling disengaged with the topic
When the going gets tough, a well-chosen, meaningful, and clearly focused topic is a major advantage. Many common research challenges can be minimized simply by investing time upfront to choose and develop a strong topic.
This guide offers strategies to help you do just that—so your research process is more efficient, more productive, and far less frustrating. If you’d like further assistance, visit one of the MJC Library & Learning Centers to talk with a research librarian.
The topic sweet spot is where three factors overlap: your assignment, your sources, and your own interests. Balancing these equally will set you up for success.
1. Understand your assignment.
Know exactly what’s expected. Pay attention to the guidelines:
Required or restricted topics
Page length/word count/timing
Number and type of sources
Mode of presentation (informative? persuasive? analytical? compare-contrast? problem-solution?)
2. Check source availability.
The right sources can make or break your topic. A paper requiring 8 peer-reviewed sources will push you toward more scholarly subjects than one that asks for 3 substantive sources. Before locking in your topic, preview what’s available in the types of sources you're required to find. A librarian can help you match topics to potential sources.
3. Choose personal meaning.
If your topic doesn’t matter to you, the work will feel like drudgery. Pick something you’re genuinely curious about or connected to. When you chase knowledge instead of just chasing the grade, the research process becomes more rewarding and the final product stronger.