Generalize | Generalize your topic. If your topic is about the history of surfing in Orange County, broaden your topic to include all of California or the United States. |
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Currency | If your topic is very current, there may not be books or journal articles available yet. Choose an alternative topic that is not so recent. |
Database Choice | Use other databases in your subject area or consider databases in a related subject area which might cover the topic from a different perspective. |
Synonyms | Use a thesaurus to find synonyms for your topic. When reading background information, note the terminology that is used. |
Related | Explore related issues. |
Expand / Remove | Location, time period, aspect, event, population, person/group. |
Example of a Narrow Topic: Does cartoon viewing cause aggression in children under age five?
Broader: What are the negative effects of TV on children and adolescents?
Time | Civil War, Iron Age, 1920's, 18th Century |
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Location | Europe, U.S., Denver, urban, eastern |
Population | age, race, gender, nationality, ethnic group, occupation |
Event or Aspect | government regulations related to cloning, Battle of the Bulge in WWII |
Person or Group | college students, Democrats, Republicans |
Broad Topic: Global warming
Narrower Topic:How will climate change impact sea levels and the coastal United States?