I know to some of you this might seem lame, but I have to do a research paper and I am having difficulty deciding on a topic. Once I have a topic, I can usually run with it and have no trouble researching and organizing thoughts. I do, however, have trouble picking a topic...anysuggestions.
http://library.scsu.ctstateu.edu/litbib.html
Click on any of the English Lit and/or Shakespeare links and see of there's anything in there that catches your imagination.
Of course, I can help you with that! Choosing a research paper topic can sometimes be a challenging task, but there are a few strategies you can use to generate ideas and find a topic that interests you. Here are some steps you can follow:
1. Brainstorm your interests: Take a few moments to think about your personal interests, hobbies, and the subjects you enjoy learning about. This could be anything from science, technology, history, social issues, literature, or even something specific within your field of study.
2. Explore your coursework: Review your textbooks, lecture notes, and any materials related to your coursework. Look for specific topics or concepts that captured your attention during your studies. These can serve as a starting point for further research.
3. Read scholarly articles and journals: Browse academic publications related to your field or area of interest. These articles often highlight current and emerging research topics. Pay attention to the authors' conclusions or areas for further investigation, as these suggestions can help you identify research gaps or potential research questions.
4. Consider real-life issues: Think about the problems or challenges you observe in the world around you. It could be related to environmental issues, healthcare, technology, social justice, or any other aspect that sparks your interest. With sufficient research, you can explore these issues more deeply and propose potential solutions or improvements.
5. Seek inspiration from others: Talk to your professors, classmates, or anyone knowledgeable in a specific field. Discussing ideas with others can provide a fresh perspective and potentially help you discover interesting research topics you might not have considered on your own.
6. Evaluate feasibility: Once you have a list of potential topics, evaluate their feasibility. Consider factors such as availability of research resources, access to data, and time constraints for conducting the research. This will ensure that you choose a topic that is both interesting and manageable within the given scope.
By following these steps and considering your own interests and research possibilities, you should be able to generate several potential research topics. From there, you can select the one that aligns most with your interests, has ample resources available, and promises a comprehensive investigation. Good luck with your research paper!