Framing and focusing your topic
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The document discusses strategies for narrowing research topics using subject-specific databases. It begins by outlining workshop goals of identifying different source tools, comparing sources found in tools, and learning strategies for narrowing topics. Users are then directed to a library website to access subject-specific databases and catalogs. An example of narrowing the broad topic of "food labeling" is provided, such as focusing on the evolution of regulations in the USA, innovative regulations in Sweden, or the influence of food lobbyists on FDA regulations in the United States. Users are also given an exercise to create a topic map starting from the original topic of "food labeling regulations in United States versus Europe".
Framing and focusing your topic
- 1. Framing the Context: Using Subject-Specific Databases to Narrow and Explore Your Topic Melanie Sellar, Santa Clara University Libraryelanie Sellar, S
- 2. Welcome! Workshop Goals Today 1. Identify and describe different types of source tools. 2. Compare the types of sources found in different search tools. 3. Learn and practice strategies for narrowing research topics
- 3. Getting Started: Go to this Site Answer the first question.
- 6. Introduction to Library Resources From the Library Website access databases and catalogs of:
- 7. Exercise 1: ● Find and share one database that would be useful for your potential final topic. ● Find and share one e-book that would be relevant to your potential topic. ● Use GoSoapBox to submit answers
- 8. How to Focus Your Topic Example: Food labeling
- 9. Focus Your Topic: Different Contexts ● If you can state your topic in 1-3 words, it is too broad ● Narrow your topic by adding a context: ○ History / Time Period ○ Specific community ○ Particular Discipline ○ Certain Aspect
- 10. Focus Your Topic: Examples ● History / Time Period ○ Evolution of genetically modified food labeling regulations in the USA ● Specific Community ○ Innovative dietary and food labeling regulations in Sweden that address climate and health ● Particular Discipline ○ Sociology, Environmental Studies, Political Science, Philosophy, Education, etc! ● Certain Aspect ○ Influence of food lobbyists on FDA labeling regulations in the United States ○ Relationship between obesity in the United States and deceptive food labeling ○ Eco-labeling as an ethical and social justice imperative
- 11. Exercise 2: Topic Map Food labeling regulations in United States versus Europe