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COMM 1040: Public Speaking
Creating a Research Plan
1. Identify a research topic/thesis
- Does your topic meet the requirements of the assignment;
- Is your topic possible to complete given the available resources and services?
- Do you need to broaden or refine your topic?
- Old Dominion Idea Generator
2. Identify types and timeliness of information needed
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The way information is delivered changes over time, by format and sconsiders audience.
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Do you need recent content?
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Original research or industry reports?
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Personal perspectives like in interviews or newspaper editorials?
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3. Know where to look for your information
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Knowing what type of information you need helps you identify where to go to find that information. Not all information is found o the same search platform.
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Library Search for books and articles
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Subject Databases for more refined searching
- Websites and social media platform
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Finding a Topic
1. Use the following questions to help you generate topic ideas:
- Be original! Is there something about you that makes you unique and is also a good research topic?
- What is going on in current events? Is there a news story that you would like to research further?
- Do you have hobbies or interests that you would like to know more about?
- Career or school related interests?
- Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy?
- Is there an aspect of one of your courses you are interested in learning more about?
2. Browse some of these sources:
- CQ Researcher: This is a great databases that gives you the history of many topics.
- Opposing Viewpoints: This database give you both sides of an argument.
- Old Dominion University Idea Generator
3. Make sure it is a manageable topic that can be done in the number of pages you are allotted. It may be helpful to avoid overused topics as there can be an overwhelmingly amount of information (death penalty, abortion, immigration etc.)
- Topic is too broad? You'll find too much information
- Topic too narrow? You won't find enough information
- Concept mapping helps you visualize your ideas. explore what you know, what you want to know, and where you want to lead your discussion.
4. Ask Yourself Questions About Your Topic…
- What do you already know about your topic?
- What do you want to know about your topic?
- What aspects of your topic interest you: historical, sociological, psychological, etc.
- What time period do you want to cover?
- On what geographic area do you want to focus?
The Flow of Info
Information does not stay the same. It evolves over time.
Information evolves overtime and changes in format, content, and quality. When choosing information, consider the flow of information. Are you selecting the best resource available?
Scholarly v.Trade v. Popular Publications
Comparing 3 types of articles
- How to tell if it is scholarly, trade, or a popular article.
When doing research, you will come across three main types of articles, Scholarly, Trade, and Popular. There is a time and place for each type of article.
- Scholarly: Highly reliable, use freely. Written by scholars for scholars
- Trade: Use with caution, written by people in the industry for people in the industry
- Popular: Avoid, authority and reliability hard to determine.
List of possible topics for research
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Business
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Crime and Law
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Drugs and Drug Abuse
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Education
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Environmental
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Equity and Social Issues
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Family issues
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Health
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Media and Communications
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Political Issues
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Psychology
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Sexulaity and Gender
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