Topics Become Keywords
Distilling topic ideas into single words and short phrases is an important step in the research process. It helps you:
- Focus and refine your thinking
- Prepare to search resources like library databases, do more targeted searching on the open web
Example topic:
Are safe injection sites an effective way to combat the opioid crisis? Should they be legal in Massachusetts?
| opioid crisis | opioids | safe injection sites | drug policy | Massachusetts |
| opioid epidemic | Fentanyl | legal injection sites | drug laws | MA state legislature |
| overdose crisis/epidemic | heroin | supervised injection sites | harm reduction | Charlie Baker/governor |
| OxyContin | fix rooms | Maura Healey/attorney general | ||
| medically supervised injection centers |
Topic vs. Thesis
Your topic is what you will explore via research, critical engagement, and writing. It might shift and change, but you identify it early in the research process.
Your thesis is the argument you are making about your topic, informed by your research. It should come later in your research process, after you have critically engaged with a diverse array of sources.
Research is a process; you must learn about a topic before you can make an informed, intelligent argument. Remember that you are taking part in a scholarly conversation-- just as in a "regular" conversation, you can't successfully participate unless you're listening to what other people have to say.
Head of the W. Van Alan Clark, Jr. Library
SMFA at Tufts
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Boston, MA 02115