Choosing a Topic

Sometimes choosing a topic is the hardest part of doing research. Here are some ideas that will help you find an interesting subject:

Consider your interests. Look into things that you have been reading about or discussing in class or with friends. Or consider recent events and developments in your field of study.
Find a database that relates to your field. Go to the library Web page. Under "Find Articles", select your subject for example, "MCOM 320". In these pages a librarian who specializes in this subject has already preselected the best databases for research in this area. ABI/INFORM (ProQuest) and Business Source Premier (EBSCO)are the best databases to start with for business research. Search these databases by using keywords or just browsing their Topic or Thesaurus.

Browse recent newspapers. Some databases contain full text articles from top business news publications such as the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Business News, Newsweek and the Economist. Here are a few examples:
- Factiva (Click News)
- LexisNexis Academic (Click News; then choose US News; then choose the region or state.)
- ABI/INFORM (ProQuest) Do a keyword search. When the results display, click NEWSPAPERS, or do a PUBLICATION search and type the publication you are looking for, such as Wall Street Journal)
Choose a "hot topic" from the media or Congress.
- CQ Researcher database gives you background information on topics being discussed in the media, such as Immigration, corporate crime, and prescription drugs prices.
- LexisNexis Congressional gives you access to hot topics being discussed in Congress (Click Political News/Hot Topics.)
Browse Popular Magazines. Recent issues of these magazines can give you ideas on current events and popular topics. ABI/INFORM (ProQuest) and Factiva index popular magazines such as Forbes, Business 2.0, Money, and Barrons. In Factiva, click News. In ABINFORM, click publication; then write the publication name.

Please send questions and comments to leticia_camacho@byu.edu

Leticia Camacho
Business Librarian
1521 Harold B. Lee Library
(801) 422-1970