Follow the steps to brainstorm a random research topic! Apply strategies from class to ask questions about the topic and population you select after spinning the wheels below.

• How can you connect the topic to a group of people?
• What is a question you can ask about the topic and group?

• Consider creating a concept map
• Identify your key concepts
• Brainstorm related terms

Stuck on writing a research question? Try to answer some of the following questions, which may give you a stronger focus or direction.

Five W’s Research Topic Brainstorming

Who

• Is there a specific group of people who are affected by this topic? (Does the group of people most affected have a voice in policy, research, or other changes that could be made? Who does have the power?)
• Who might be invested in researching this topic? Are there other disciplines or majors that would also be interested in this topic/question (political science, criminal justice, psychology, etc.)?

What

• Are you familiar with the basic concepts and background of your topic/question?
• Are there different positions or perspectives on this topic? What proof do the different sides offer?

When

• How long has this been an issue/ problem/ concern/ occurrence?
• When will information need to be published to be of value to your topic/question? When has it been studied in the past?

Where

• Is there a specific geography or location that applies to this topic/question?
• Where can you look (Google, library sources, professional organizations, local government or groups, etc.) for more information?

Why

• What makes this topic/question worth exploring? What are the implications of finding an explanation/answer/ solution?
• Why are you personally interested in this topic/question?
• Why have others researched this topic/question?

How

• How do you know what you already know about the topic? Personal experience, books, classes, magazines, social media, etc.?
• How does this topic/question fit in to a larger context?
• How might others have researched this topic before?

Click on the spinning wheel to make a selection! (Ignore the options box.)

Wheel not working? Pick something from this list* of topic options:

• living on Mars
• quilting
• Harry Potter
• juvenile justice system
• serial killers
• zombies
• food preservation
• air pollution
• Keto diet
• cell phone addiction
• women's rights
• property taxes
• bird migration patterns

*This list is just for fun! You can try this with a topic of interest instead, if you want!

Click on the spinning wheel to make a selection! (Ignore the options box.)

Wheel not working? Pick something from this list* of topic options:

• teenagers
• senior citizens
• college professors
• your boss at work
• college athletes
• children
• classical music enthusiasts
• your classmates
• doctors
• parents
• substitute teachers
• local politicians

*This list is just for fun! You can try this with a topic of interest instead, if you want!

There are some fun combinations here. Share what you come up with if you want!

To add: double click anywhere in the box, or use the plus sign in the bottom right corner.

Topic: Climate Change

Group of people: Insurance Agents

Below are some brainstormed questions that could jump start a research project connecting the topic of climate change to insurance agents. Remember, this is just an activity to get you started- these are not polished research questions yet, nor would they be appropriate for all assignments!

Brainstormed questions:

• Do insurance agents believe in the science of climate change?
• Is the extreme weather caused by climate change impacting the work of insurance agents?
• Are insurance agents receiving more weather-related claims in recent years?
• Has the cost of homeowner's insurance gone up due to climate change?
• Do insurance agents mention climate change in their policies?