Defining a Topic

Do you have a specific idea for a topic?  Have you gathered background information and have a good understanding of the underlying social problem?  Now it’s time to ensure that there is enough information out there to support your research.

To determine whether your topic is viable for this project, you should be able to answer “yes” to the following questions:

  • Is your social problem currently being discussed?  in published sources?
  • Is your controversial policy solution currently being discussed?  in published sources?
  • Are there at least two well-articulated sides to the debate?  Are both sides publishing their positions?
  • Is there “enough” research/information available on your topic?
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