Selecting a research topic that interests you can sometimes be challenging. Here are some ideas to help you find an appropriate research topic:
1) Consider a topic from a newspaper, magazine, or journal article. Think about news reports you've seen in the media. What have you read online recently? Think of current events or "hot topics." Also, think of class readings, discussions, and lectures.
2) Think of your personal life and your own life experiences. Think of political, social, or educational activities that you or someone you know has participated in.
3) Review scholarly literature in your field of study.
4) Use these tools to help you decide on a topic:
A research question is a statement that defines what is to be studied. It is the core of the research project, study, or literature review. Your research question focuses the study, determines the methodology, and guides all stages of inquiry, analysis, and reporting.
Example:
Does crime spike during public emergencies?
Your research question should...