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Module 2: Identifying a Topic

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2.3 Broadening Your Research Question

A question that is too narrow or specific may not retrieve enough information. If this happens, broaden the question. Most questions have multiple contexts and varying levels of specificity.

The underlined terms below represent broader ways of asking without changing the basic meaning. If you find sources that treat a subject broadly, use the index or table of contents to locate useful sections or chapters. Or ask yourself, "How might the arguments made here support my argument?"

INSTEAD OF:

Should Makah whaling rituals be permitted despite endangered species laws?

TRY:

Should Native Americans practice religious and social customs that violate local and Federal laws?

INSTEAD OF:

What are the economic impacts of sweat shops on development in South Asia?

TRY:

What are the impacts of U.S. labor practices on developing countries?

Module 2
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