The Literature Review Step by Step: Step 1

Here a 4 steps to create a research topic statement:

1. Identify a subject to study.
2. Use a personal interest or concern about this subject in a researchable question.
3. Connect this researchable question to the appropriate academic discipline. 
4. Write your first draft of your thesis statement (sometimes called research question or topic question).

Think about some of these questions to guide your decision:

1. What personal experience do you have that relates to the topic?
2. Can you describe your personal interest or issue with the topic?
3. Evaluate what your biases, beliefs, and opinions are about this topic, and how will you isolate these to remain neutral in your research?

*Preconceived ideas and opinions are unavoidable. Be careful to avoid carrying any bias into your research that might influence it.*

You need to limit your interests to be specific and clearly defined. This can lead to your thesis being ambiguous and wordy. Key ideas should be obvious in your statement.