Choosing a research topic worksheet | Online Homework Aiders

I’m studying for my Social Science class and don’t understand how to answer this. Can you help me study?

As you get ready to start your own historical research, you should know that the first step in any historical analysis is the most basic: choosing a topic to research. In this course, you will be required to submit your research topic for approval at the end of Theme: Approaches to History, Learning Block 1-4.

The topic must be an event in American history. You may choose a topic that is related to any of the case studies contained in this course, or you may choose your own topic, with the approval of your instructor.

Here are a few pointers to help you choose your topic:

1. Pick a topic that interests you. You’re likely to do more research, and do it faster, when you’re genuinely engaged by your topic.
2. Pick a topic that is credible and relevant. Avoid sensationalism; don’t waste your time trying to research the history of alien abductions or Elvis sightings. And make sure your topic is historically relevant—that is, a topic that requires you to do real historical research, not just express your opinions.
3. Narrow it down. A topic that’s too broad will require you to sift through too much information and make it hard for you to focus.
4. Ask your instructor for ideas. Your instructor can also help you decide what topics are credible and relevant and how to narrow down an overly broad topic.
5. Make sure you can find the needed resources. If your topic is too obscure or too narrow, you might have trouble finding enough relevant sources.

Sample Topics

The case studies in this course cover the following issues. Click on each tab to learn more about the topic, which will help you decide if it might be something you are interested in researching.

Irish Immigrant Experience

Québécois Immigrant Experience

The Woman Suffrage Movement and the Nineteenth Amendment

The Equal Rights Amendment

The Voting Rights Act of 1965

School Desegregation in Boston

The Cherokee “Trail of Tears”

The Creation of Alaska Native Corporations