When you have an idea for a topic of interest, the best way to narrow it down is to apply it to the following four questions:
Who? This question defines the specific target of your topic. It can be a person, place, thing, etc.
- Example: If I’m interested in videogames, I could make a topic centered on the entire videogame industry. Just saying videogames is too broad.
What? This question defines the event, catalyst or scope that you want to dive into.
- Example: Using the example above I could talk about ‘historical financial impact’ of the videogame industry.
When? This question can apply to both the historical scope of your topic and the assignment parameters.
- Example: If I want to talk about the Videogame Industry Crash of 1983, but can only use sources from the past 10 years (according to assignment restrictions), I will not be able to use primary sources from the decade.
Where? This generally defines the region of your topic. It’s important because every country could have a completely different story to tell.
- Example: If I said Japan for the where, the Videogame Industry Crash of 1983 would not make sense, as it never happened to the Japanese. However, if I say ‘United States’ that would make the most sense, as the Crash of 1983 impacted the U.S. the most.
