Concept Mapping

Choosing a Topic for Research

Before beginning a search of Internet resources, it is helpful to engage the students' thinking about their choice of a topic. Ask the following questions:

length of product?
form of product?
topic restrictions?

How much information will be needed to meet the requirements?

Students may need help to realize that their topic is too broad or too narrow. Almost any topic can benefit from concept mapping. Look at this example:

The diagram shows cars, trains and planes as subsets of forms of transportation, and
4x4s, RVs, and sedans as subsets of cars.

Choose another topic for this exercise, either one pertaining to the assignment or another one which will be readily understandable in the students' experience, e.g. sports. In what broader topic(s) can sports be included? What categories or types of sports can they identify?

What source(s) will best satisfy the student's need for information?

The Internet is an invaluable resource for research into current topics. However, some historical topics may be better served by using traditional library sources - like books!

Choosing a Topic for Research

Proceed to Subject vs. Keyword Searching. Go back to Constructing the Search.

Proceed to Subject vs. Keyword Searching.
Go back to Constructing the Search.