Topic Proposal

Identifying and articulating your topic is an important step in the research process, and often involves research in itself. Finding background information and exploring available resources can be helpful in choosing and refining the scope of your research.

• Video on Choosing a Topic
• University Writing Center Guide to Choosing a Topic
• Video on Background Information

Directions:

Write a brief paragraph (required length can be specified) explaining your research topic. What is the context of your inquiry and/or the basis of your argument? What questions are you aiming to answer? What connections are you hoping to make? If there is an aspect or focus of your topic that you are unsure about, you may describe that as well.

Sometimes topics evolve slightly or develop in unexpected ways during the course of research. This is acceptable and understandable. This topic description is your best explanation considering where you are right now in the research process.

(List one source related to your topic to show that you have done some preliminary research and/or exploration of background information.)

The Information Literacy Toolkit, created by University of Texas Libraries, was adapted by Portland State University Library in July 2019 and is licensed CC BY-NC.