2
Research Topics, Questions, and References
In this essay, I will explain what a research topic is. I will also explain a research
question and how these are different and similar. I will also explain my major and how to use my
degree.
Research Topics and Questions
A research topic is a topic that someone wants to research that needs to be defined. This
topic will be the focus of their writing and will guide them while doing research. A research
question is a specific inquiry they will need to research to answer.
They are both very similar because they both require research on a very specific thing.
The difference is that a research question is more specific because it is research on just one thing,
and a research topic can be broader based on the findings (Crawford, p.114).
Personal Interests
I am majoring in social work. I have been working at a safe house for victims of sex
trafficking and plan to continue in this field. I am getting my degree so I can be part of a clinical
team at the place I currently work. I started by volunteering, and now I am employed there, and I
plan to continue my education at this house. I have watched God work in so many ways there.
The research topic that interests me is the topic of domestic sex trafficking. The question
I want to research is, what population is most at risk of being victims of domestic sex
trafficking?
3
Review of Literature
Nichols, A. J., Preble, K., & Cox, A. (2022). A State-Level Analysis of Demographic
Characteristics and Sex Trafficking Experiences of Survivors.9Journal of Human
Trafficking,910(1), 51–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322705.2021.2016o268
This article has good information about the different demographics of people who are
being trafficked in the United States. Knowing the demographics is good because it will show
the most vulnerable group. If we know who is most at risk we can understand how to get services
to this population.
Mumma BE, Scofield ME, Mendoza LP, Toofan Y, Youngyunpipatkul J, Hernandez B.
Screening for Victims of Sex Trafficking in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Program. West
J Emerg Med. 2017 Jun;18(4):616-620. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2017.2.31924. Epub 2017 Apr 17.
PMID: 28611881; PMCID: PMC5468066.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5468066/
This article is great because it talks about a pilot program to start screening emergency
rooms for people who might be trafficked. A lot of victims are seen in emergency rooms because
the trafficker often injures them. If the emergency rooms are trained on how to spot a trafficking
References
Crawford (2023).9Introduction to Research: Less Fright, More Insight: A Customized Version of Research
Methods: Are You Equipped? Second Edition by Jennifer Bonds-Raacke and John Raacke. Designed
specifically for Ray9(4th ed.). Kendall Hunt
Publishing.9https://libertyonline.vitalsource.com/books/9798385105748
4
Nichols, A. J., Preble, K., & Cox, A. (2022). A State-Level Analysis of Demographic
Characteristics and Sex Trafficking Experiences of Survivors.9Journal of Human
Trafficking,910(1), 51–68. https://doi.org/10.1080/23322705.2021.2016o268
Mumma BE, Scofield ME, Mendoza LP, Toofan Y, Youngyunpipatkul J, Hernandez B.
Screening for Victims of Sex Trafficking in the Emergency Department: A Pilot Program. West
J Emerg Med. 2017 Jun;18(4):616-620. doi: 10.5811/westjem.2017.2.31924. Epub 2017 Apr 17.
PMID: 28611881; PMCID: PMC5468066.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5468066/
