Skip to Main Content

Background Information

This guide will provide information for students seeking background information .

Here's Some Strategies for Figuring Out A Topic

Strategy #1: Create a Mind Map or Concept Map

mind map is a graphical way to represent ideas and concepts. It is a visual thinking tool that helps you structure information so you can better analyze, comprehend, synthesize, recall and generate new ideas. It also helps you see how ideas are connected to one another. A concept map is a similar strategy for identifying a main topic and organizing information visually to make connections between ideas.

Strategy #2: Ask Some Questions

You can ask yourself some questions to begin developing your research ideas like:

  • Who is involved? Who is affected?
  • What is the problem or issue?
  • When did it happen? What time period or era is covered?
  • Why did it happen? What were the causes?
  • Where did it happen? What is the location or areas?
  • How does this issue affect others? How serious is the problem?

You can also think about what you would like to know about this issue and write down as many questions you have as possible.

Adapted from LMU Need A Topic Guide.

Strategy #3: Keep an Ideas Journal or Freewrite 

Take 10 minutes to write on the topic without any editing. Summarize what you wrote about in a single sentence. Use that first sentence for another free write exercise for 5 minutes. Summarize your second writing session in one sentence. Continue to free write about your sentences until a clear angle or aspect of your topic emerges

Strategy #4: Have a Conversation (with yourself or others) 

  • Ask yourself questions (perhaps based off of the assignment prompt and/or in relation to your ideas and interests). Write down the answers to your own questions as a way to think through potential ideas. 

  • Do a think aloud. It is productive to brainstorm by having a conversation with someone else (perhaps a friend, peer, family member, mentor, or instructor). Find someone that you can bounce your thoughts off of as a way to clarify and develop your ideas for the assignment. 

Need Help Finding a Topic? Check Out These Databases

Developing A Topic & Research Questions

Watch this short video (6:52) on how to develop a research question. Remember: Use What, When, Where, Why, How and Who to help guide your research question development.

Youtube: Laurier Library

Glendale Community College | 1500 North Verdugo Road, Glendale, California 91208 | Tel: 818.240.1000  
GCC Home  © 2024 - Glendale Community College. All Rights Reserved.