Looking for a Topic for Your Research Paper?

It’s that time in the semester when research papers are assigned, and you have to let your instructor know what topic you are choosing to research. Many of the library databases have pages that list topics from different subject areas or disciplines. When you click on the topic, you might find an overview article of the topic and then some viewpoint articles that take a position on the issue. Here are some of the databases from the A-Z list that you might find helpful when browsing for a topic:

• CQ Researcher: Use the dropdown box for Browse Topics or take a look at the list of Hot Topics on the right-hand side of the page.
• Credo Reference: Explore topics from Humanities, Health & Medicine, or Environmental Science. This database also has a video on how to narrow your topic and check out the Credo Mind Map Article .

• Issues and Controversies on File: See Popular Issues and scroll down to see All Issues by subject.

• Las Vegas/Nevada News (Newsbank): See Suggested Topics and check out the Special Reports and Hot Topics.

• Opposing Viewpoints In Context: See Browse Issues or Browse All Issues. You’ll find overview articles, viewpoint articles, and many other academic sources.

These databases have all the tools to work with the articles you find, such as printing, emailing, saving, and citing.

Another tool to help you in choosing a topic is our tutorial found under Research 101 , which describes the entire research process. Remember that research and writing takes time and choosing a topic is only the first step.

Note: To ensure that you are able to access the databases listed above, sign in using your NSHE Student ID Number for your username and your Canvas Password. For any further questions, please reach out to a librarian for assistance at library.csn.edu/ask.