Coming up with a topic is the first step in any research. Often your professor or assignment may provide you with a topic but often as not you will need to develop your own topic.
Helpful hints for developing a topic:
Choose a topic that you have some interest in. It is always easier to write about something you're interested in or have knowledge of.
Look at sources publishing in your area of interest.
Find a focus
Once you have developed a topic you should start thinking about the KEY TERMS that describe your topic. Think of synonyms for you KEY TERMS as well.
If your topic was: How does alcohol consumption affect rates of depression in teenagers.
The obvious KEY TERMS in topic above would be:
Searching using these KEY TERMS would probably return very good results but there are other less obivious KEY TERMS you could use. These include:
Once you have your KEY TERMS you are ready to begin your search.