These resources are great for getting background information, focusing your research, and finding viewpoints!

Questions to consider as you develop your research question:

• How long has this been an issue? When did it start becoming an issue?
• Are there different positions on this topic? What proof do the different sides offer? (Note: there are usually more than two viewpoints for each topic.)
• 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 or other changes that could be made?)
• How do you know what you do about the topic? Personal experience, books, classes, magazines?
• Are there other disciplines or majors that would also be interested in this (psychology, political science, criminal justice, etc.)?

Questions adapted from The Fun of Motivation: Crossing the Threshold Concepts, Publications in LIbrarianship No. 71 by Mary Francis.