Research Guides: Get It Done Guide to Undergraduate Research: Choosing a Topic

Choosing a Topic

Concept Mapping
Finding Background Information

Concept Mapping

Walkthrough

Concept Mapping Worksheet
Print this worksheet to get started on your own concept map.

Online Concept Mapping Tools

These are freemium tools. Some features will require a subscription, but the free options allow you to create robust concept maps.

Not sure where to start? Browse these databases to learn more about hot topics and current events.

These databases are for background information only, they are not scholarly articles. To get started finding scholarly sources, head to the "Finding Sources" tab.

CQ Researcher
Full-text database that provides comprehensive analysis of each topic, including history and background information, relevant pro & con arguments, current status, bibliographies, contact information, and outlooks on upcoming "hot topics" in current events.
Opposing Viewpoints in Context
Full-text database covering social issues with topic overviews and pro/con viewpoints. Sources include news, journal articles, magazines, media, maps, websites and statistics.