- Start with a set of categories, then brainstorm as many words or phrases as you can about that category (don’t edit yourself here, just free-write whatever comes to mind). Here are some possible categories:
People Places Objects Technology Historical Events or Periods Things on the Internet Things that Annoy Me Current Events - Look back over your lists and put a checkmark next to the words or phrases you’re actually interested in. As a rule of thumb, let’s call something interesting if you could imagine discussing it with a friend for a while without getting bored. Refine your list by circling a few of your favorites; that is, the topics that would lead to the most enthusiastic conversation.
- For each of your circled items, list as many questions as you can think of. What would you like to know about this topic?
- Review your questions and consider how each question might be approached as academic research. Think about other classes you’ve taken in college and ask yourself: what would happen if you applied the tools you learned in those classes to the question or topic you’re considering? Which approach might be the most revealing? (adapted from Ballenger 25-28)
