Q. I’m having trouble coming up with a topic for a paper. Where do I start?

Deciding on a topic is possibly the most difficult part of doing research. If you're not sure where to start, talk with your professor, ask a librarian, or try the following steps: 

1. Think about a topic that interests you. 

2. Do some background reading from a textbook or subject encyclopedia. 

3. Narrow your topic to something manageable. You may need to rework it several times as you research. 

4. Try "Mind Mapping" or concept mapping your topic after consulting some background sources. You can also use Credo Reference's Concept Mapping tool. 

5. Once you have an idea, write it out as a short sentence or question then pick out search terms. Ex. "How does stress affect memory?" Search terms: stress, memory.      

6. Find information by using the multiple sources available on the library catalog. If you need a place to get started, check the Background Sources and Reference Tools sections of the College Writing II LibGuide.