Step 3: Begin Initial Library Research
Got your list? Then get thee to a library. You need to do a little
advance research. Scan your library’s card-catalog index and the
Readers’ Guide to Periodical Literatureor other publication indexes.
See how many books and articles have been written about each topic
on your “possibilities” list. Next, read a short background article or
encyclopedia entry about each topic.
Alternatively, spend a little time online. Are there specific websites
devoted to your topic? Lucky you! Or does a keyword search result
in 10,424 matches, none of which have a thingto do with your
topic?
With any luck at all, you should be left with at least one topic that
looks like a good research subject. If two or more topics passed your
preliminary research test, pick the one that interests you most. You’re
going to spend a lot of time learning about your subject. There’s
no rule that says you can’t enjoy it!
Develop a Temporary Thesis
Once you have chosen the topic for your paper, you must develop
a temporary thesis. (The word “thesis” is a relative of “hypothesis”
and means about the same thing—the central argument you will
attempt to prove or disprove in your paper. A thesis is not the
same thing as a topic. Your topic is what you study; your thesis is the
conclusion you draw from that study.)
A “thesis statement” sums up the main point of your paper. It’s
generally just a sentence or two.
142 How to Study