Skip to Main Content

Research Guide

Examples

Broad Topic: Methodism

Narrower Topic: How did the Methodist movement begin?

---------------------------------------------------

Narrow Topic: What are the fundamental beliefs of Calvinism?

Broader Topic:  Calvinist theology

Is Your Topic Too Broad?

If you are finding too much information, your topic may be too broad. Consider narrowing it by:

  • Time period -- 1960's, bronze age, etc.
  • Geographic location -- Lexington, England, Africa, etc.
  • Population -- age, race, gender, nationality or other group
  • Choosing a smaller piece of the topic

Is Your Topic Too Narrow?

If you are not finding enough information, your topic may be too narrow. Consider broadening it by:

  • Exploring related issues
  • Comparing or contrasting the topic with another topic
  • Expanding the:
    • time period covered
    • population considered
    • geographic area discussed
  • Choosing an alternative topic that is not so recent -- it may not be covered in books and journal articles yet
  • Choosing an alternative topic that is not so popular -- it may be covered in popular magazines only