Q. How do I narrow my topic?

Sometimes a topic that seems like the right size can seem way too big after you’ve learned a little more about it. When this happens, you need to narrow the focus of your topic. You can do this by considering different ways to restrict your research topic. 

Some of the ways you can limit your topic are by:

• Who is the population or group?
• What is the discipline or focus?
• Where is the geographic location?
• When is the time period or era?
• Why is the topic important?

For example, researching opioid abuse might be overwhelming. However, researching reasons for opioid abuse by high school athletes in the U.S. might make the topic more manageable.

Visit the videos and tutorials listed below for more information and tips on how to narrow your topic. 

(adapted from U of Michigan - Finding and Exploring Your Topic)