Before you go any further, you should stop and ask this question:
“How do I know my topic is worth pursuing?”
This is a vital stage early in research because in can save you a great deal of work if you discover your topic lacks the proper direction that will make it a process you will gain knowledge, experience, and value from.
What makes a topic worth pursuing? As mentioned above, the process should be something you gain value from just by doing it. Part of that is up to you and your attitude in approaching your subject, but part of it has to do with what your topic is and how you plan to research it.
Use the following criteria to determine if you should consider continuing with the topic as you understand it so far:
- Multiple Resources: Be sure there is enough information from a variety of sources to gain adequate information about your topic. Can you find information on your topic in several reference books, non-fiction books, and magazines?
- Relates to goals of class: Does your topic meet the goals of your class subject matter?
- Satisfies teacher’s requirements: Does your topic (and sources you’ve uncovered so far) satisfy what your teacher has set forth in the assignment?
