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Boxer Library

Academic Writing Guide

Making an Outline

Narrowing or Broadening Your Topic 

One common issue when searching is finding the right topic or right terms. There is a reason it is called research as sometimes you have to search a few times to get the results you want. Remember that revising your searches is all a part of the process, so don't get discouraged.

Problems with a topic being too broad:

  • If there is too much research on a topic, it is hard to develop criteria to decide if articles should be included or excluded. 
  • If a topic is too broad, there may be too many methods to compare. 
  • If doing a literature review with a topic that is too broad, it may be impossible to adequately analyze all of the literature. In addition, the breadth of research may overwhelm the audience. 

Problems with a topic being too narrow:

  • If a topic is too narrow, there may not be enough research to support your hypothesis. 
  • If a topic is too narrow it may indicate this problem only refers to a small population.
  • There may not be enough to support a full paper. 

Strategies for Broadening or Narrowing a Topic

Strategies for Broadening or Narrowing a Topic

Now that you know the problems with a topic that is too broad or narrow, how do you find the sweet spot for finding the best terms? Below are a few strategies you can use if you find a topic is either too narrow or too broad.

Strategies for Narrowing a Topic that is too broad:

  • Example: Does exercise impact diabetes?
Who: Population or Group

Example: Pick a patient population to focus on like seniors. 
What: Is there a specific focus? 

Example: Pick a focus like a type of exercise like yoga and topic like A1C. 
When: Time period 

Example: Last 5, 10, 15 years..
Where: Geographic Location

Example: Midwest, specific city like Chicago, United States, etc

New topic: In the United States, do seniors who participate in yoga better manage their A1C? 

Strategies for broadening a topic that is too narrow

Example: Does the use of fitbits help 65 year old men manage their A1C in Lake Forest, Illinois in the past year?

Who: Population or group  Example: Instead of 65 years olds, use the age group seniors instead.
What: Discipline or focus  Example: Instead of fitbits, use fitness trackers instead. 
Where: Geographic Location  Example: Instead of Lake Forest use Illinois or better the Midwest.
When: Time period Example: Instead of a specific time frame, just see what exists with no time restriction.

New possible topic: Does the use of fitness trackers help seniors manage their A1C? 

I'm not sure if my topic is too narrow or broad, what do I do?

If you need help determining if your topic is too narrow or broad, do not hesitate to contact the librarians for assistance. The librarians at the Boxer Library are available for one-on-one consultations. During these appointments we will go over your topic, and then give you tips for finding the best results. To meet with one of the librarians, simply fill out the Schedule An Appointment form.