Once you have selected a topic and done preliminary research you will need to refine and clarify what aspects of that topic you will explore in your paper. Points to consider in this process are:

• Identify the most important questions, the current issues, organizations, people, and trends associated with your topic. Current books, periodical articles, and sources in the library's reference collection will be helpful in refining your research topic.
• If your assignment will cover the history of the topic, trace the significant events or developments associated with the topic. You may want to research both recent sources that will likely summarize key events and give the current status of the topic, and sources actually written during the different stages in the history of the topic.
• Identify who has interest in this topic, and who has been or might likely be affected by aspects of this topic.
• Identify points of agreement and disagreement among scholars and others knowledgeable in the field.
• If your topic is a controversial one, consult sources that address controversial issues. Many such sources are located in the library's reference collection.