Working on a research paper and I decided my topic is drinking and driving. I need to go deeper since my prof doesn't just want us to simply "tell her stuff" as in it can't be a list. So I'm thinking of either talking about deeper issues like
Punishment should be increased for those who drink and drive ?
Young people need to be more educated about the concesquences of drinking and driving as this is a major cause of deaths?
So basically can anyone think of deeper topics with me? Brainstorm? Give me advice or how to expand those topics into a good narrow thesis?
I think your second idea is a good one, about educating young drivers. Don't worry about a thesis statement until you have done the research and written the body of your paper, and your conclusion. THEN write the introduction with a thesis statement.
Your research should include statistics about traffic deaths attributable to alcohol consumption among teens and young adults (up to age 25?). It should also include research results about how young people tend to use poor judgement about taking risks (especially young men). Such research is out there. You can "google" all of it. Read lots and be able to cite several sources.
It's a good topic, and you can do it well, I'm sure!
Ok, Thank you so much !
Sure, I can definitely help you brainstorm and expand your topics into a narrower thesis. Let's start with the potential topic of "punishment should be increased for those who drink and drive."
To expand this topic and create a narrow thesis, you can consider the following steps:
1. Identify specific aspects: Think about various aspects related to punishment for drinking and driving that you find interesting. For example, you could examine the effectiveness of current penalties, the social and economic costs of drunk driving incidents, the role of stricter enforcement, or the potential impact of alternative approaches to deterrence.
2. Research existing literature: Conduct research to gather information on current laws, statistics, and studies related to drinking and driving. This will help you gain a deeper understanding of the topic and identify any gaps or areas that require further exploration.
3. Narrow down your thesis: Once you have gathered enough information, choose a specific focus for your thesis by narrowing down your research question. For instance, you could develop a thesis that argues for specific policy changes, such as mandatory ignition interlocks for convicted drunk drivers, or examine the effectiveness of combining punishment with rehabilitation programs to reduce recidivism rates.
Now let's move on to the second potential topic – "young people need to be more educated about the consequences of drinking and driving as it is a major cause of deaths."
To further develop this topic, try the following steps:
1. Analyze available resources: Investigate existing educational programs, campaigns, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness among young people about the dangers of drinking and driving. Examine their effectiveness and consider potential gaps that need to be addressed.
2. Explore contextual factors: Look into underlying factors contributing to drinking and driving among young people, such as social influences, peer pressure, or lack of access to alternative transportation. Understanding these factors will help you identify specific areas for intervention and education.
3. Develop a focused thesis: Based on your research, develop a narrow thesis that addresses a specific aspect of the topic. For example, you could investigate the efficacy of incorporating prevention programs into school curricula, explore the influence of parental involvement in reducing underage drinking, or analyze the impact of targeted social media campaigns on changing attitudes and behaviors.
Remember, the process of narrowing down your topic and thesis requires thorough research and critical thinking. It may also be helpful to consult with your professor or academic advisor to ensure your ideas align with the expectations of your research paper.