Research Paper Topic Open

Choosing Your Research Paper Topic

For your major research project you will need to identify a significant societal issue that is affecting your local community in order to conduct research and offer a possible plan of action. But first you must select a good research problem and then write a research proposal.

1) Start brainstorming by first describing your community, and then listing as many problems/issues that are affecting your community. For example, I live in the Allapattah neighborhood, which is predominantly a low to mid income community comprised of family owned businesses, restaurants and factories. Many of the residents are from Latin American or African American descent. Some of the problems I see in my neighborhood include:

· pollution and sanitation

· drug and substance abuse

· Gentrification

· obesity and health related issues do to diet and exercise

· Access to healthy food options

· Lack of green spaces 

· Issues with the walkability of the  area do to lack of green spaces and safety

· Crime and high incarceration rates

· low paying jobs and income inequality

· lack of education

· lack of public art and access to art related activities

· lack of bike lanes and safety for cyclists

UPLOAD YOUR BRAINSTORMING ACTIVITY TO THE LINK "Upload Brainstorming activity here"

After uploading your brainstorming activity write your research proposal and upload it to the link "200 word research proposal." 

2) To write an effective research proposal you must, narrow your topic down by selecting one of the topics you've listed. In your proposal you will explain why you are passionate about your issue, why your issue is an important issue to research, how people are being or will be affected if nothing is done about the issue and what you hope to gain/learn/contribute to this inquiry as a result of your research process.

It is very important that you chose a specific issue and not pick a topic that is too broad. For example "Climate change" is not a good topic but climate gentrification is. Obesity is not good but the relationship of obesity and access to healthy food options is. Racism is not a good topic but income inequality do to systemic racism is. Crime is not a good topic but high incarceration rates of black and brown people is.