Sociology 1001 Guide Defining a topic Searching by subject Library catalogue subject headings Finding journal articles Electronic Databases Finding newspaper articles Finding websites The Reserve Collection Citing & Referencing   Sociology Home Scope Relevant libraries Faculty Sites Subject guides Library contacts Quick Reference

Sociology 1001 Library Research Guide:Topic Definintion

Defining a topic or area of research

Identify the key topics which relate to your essay or research topic

Create a list of related terms or synonyms. This may be useful when searching an electronic database or Internet Search Engine.

For example;
Locate information on low birth rate and the social forces shaping this aspect of contemporary Australian Society.

Identify the key terms and concepts in your topic

Create a list of related terms or synonyms. This may be useful when searching a database or Internet Search Engine for information

Concept 1	Concept 2	Concept 3
birth rate	low	social forces
Related terms	Related Terms	Related Terms
fertility rates	decline or declining	social changes
family size	fall or falling	causal factors
?????	demographic trends	social theories

Next