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Name __________________________________________

Economics Dr. Katie Sauer

How to Choose a Research Topic Public Finance 1. Brainstorm What 5 topics from class do you find the most interesting?

If you are drawing a blank, here are some questions to get you thinking. As you answer, dont stop to edit yourself, just jot down some thoughts. If a question doesnt appeal to you, skip it. What is your personal view of social insurance programs like Social Security or workers comp? What do you wish you knew about the governments budget situation? What do you think of the corporate income tax? Should it be higher or lower? Is a cap-and-trade system for pollution permits a good idea? What is your view on private schools versus public schools? Do you think more generous student loans encourage moral hazard? Do you personally pay too much or too little for insurance? Should the wealthy pay more in taxes? What is an appropriate role for the federal government? State government? Local government? What would induce you to personally save more for retirement?

2. Key Words Hopefully youve found a few general topics that appeal to you. Or perhaps youve identified a question that youd like to know the answer to. At this stage, it is okay to have 2-3 topics that youd like to consider. In this space, write down 5 (or more) key words that describe each topic/question. Topic Idea #1 _________________________________________________________________ Key Words:

Topic Idea #2 _________________________________________________________________ Key Words:

Topic Idea #3 ________________________________________________________________ Key Words:

3. Background Reading Use the keywords to search online for some general information on the topics you are considering. (Yes, Wikipedia is okay at this stage). The purpose is to get an overview of the topic in general. You can get a feel for if your idea is broad or narrow. Youll also get a feel for related issues. In this stage, you might also pick up some additional key words. Spend about 20 30 minutes reading background information on each potential topic. This might sound like unnecessary work. It is actually very important. Spending adequate time at the beginning of a research paper to choose a viable topic saves you time and frustration in the end. (This is what I personally do when I am starting new research.) You want to avoid having to switch topics at the last minute when the paper is due.

4. Decide on a topic There is no trick to doing this. Given the background reading that you did, what topic seems the most interesting to you and is also manageable given the scope of the assignment? Chosen topic ____________________________________________________ Write down some questions you could potentially ask about your topic. One of these might just turn into your thesis statement later.

Now spend an additional 30 60 minutes exploring key words related to your chosen topic. It is common to modify your topic during the research process. You might need to narrow your focus or need to broaden your approach. This is a normal part of doing research! What you want to avoid is completely changing topics. 5. Resources What questions do you have for the Auraria research librarian or for Dr. Sauer?

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