Straight and Narrow

Narrowing the Topic

Have you started learning to drive yet? If so, you know that before you get behind the wheel of a car, you learn the rules of the road. Then, you practice in a place away from other cars—a parking lot, or a deserted road. Next, you drive on local roads with an experienced driver in the car, and finally you go solo. At this point in your research project journey, you are heading for the parking lot to prepare for more intense research to come. Here is our sample project so far:

1. The next step as you are gathering information is to generate some specific questions that will be the basis of your presentation based on preliminary research. Consider your options for places to go for information [libraries for books, reference books, periodicals, etc.; the internet for databases, websites, reference works, etc.; people for experts testimony, testimonials, polls, etc.]. Then, immerse yourself in the topic.
2. Keep a list of questions that come into your mind as you read. These questions may be used later in the Research Question Drill Down Chart that you will fill out. Here is a sample:

The article: There is now solid evidence to suggest a relationship between exposure to violent television and movies and aggressive behavior. Researchers have found that children are more physically and verbally aggressive immediately after watching violent television and movies. It is also clear that aggressive children and teens watch more violent television than their less aggressive peers. A few studies have found that exposure to television and movie violence in childhood is related to increased aggression years later, but further research is needed in this area.

The Questions:

1. What is the evidence that links violent viewing to aggressive behavior?
2. How did researchers test for the link?
3. How did they define violence?
4. How did they define aggression?

This process is called NARROWING your topic. Now you try it. Get at least three sources related to your topic, read the material, and generate specific questions. Then fill out the worksheet below.

Writing Assignment worksheet

At the end of this section, you will turn in this worksheet to check your audience, purpose, your specific questions, and source cards are on the right track.

On the next page, you will learn how to record those sources for ATTRIBUTION. Then we will return to the list of questions you are compiling to organize and focus them toward a final presentation.

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