The Research Map will help you plan your research journey.
1. Write your general topic on the top line.
2. Brainstorm Who, What When, Where, and Why. (Don't judge, just write your ideas on the map!)
3. In each category, circle or highlight what you think are the most interesting or best topic ideas to explore further.
Topic: Hint: General topic, doesn't need to be specific.
| Who? | Hint: Who is affected by this topic? (demographics) |
| What? | Hint: Impact or aspects of the topic |
| When? | Hint: The timeframe of interest. If “now” how far back will the info be accurate? |
| Where? | Hint: This could be the United States, a particular area, or a comparison of one or more areas. (May or may not be important.) |
| Why? | Hint: What is the significance or importance of this topic to you or the reader? |
Topic: Cosmetic Surgery
| Who? |
teens, celebrities, Pamela Anderson, actors, cancer survivors |
| What? | body image, role model, medical necessity, physical or psychological discomfort, pressure to be beautiful |
| When? | Now (last 5 years), since 2000, within 1 year |
| Where? |
United States, worldwide, Instagram, Los Angeles |
| Why? |
Necessity, cost/expense, bullying, expectations of beauty or youth, health risks, wanting to fit into clothes. |
Topic:
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