Exploring purpose and topic

topic

To find a topic for an explanatory paper or causal analysis, begin a sentence with why, how, or what if and then finish it, drawing on what you may already know about an issue, trend, or problem. (find a topic)

Why are fewer young Americans marrying?

Why is the occurrence of juvenile asthma spiking?

Why do so few men study nursing or so few women study petroleum engineering?

There are, of course, many other ways to phrase questions about cause and effect in order to attach important conditions and qualifications.

What if scientists figure out how to stop the human aging process — as now seems plausible within twenty years? What are the consequences for society?

How likely is it that a successful third political party might develop in the United States to end the deadlock between Republicans and Democrats?

As you can see, none of these topics would just drop from a tree. They require cultural or technical knowledge and a willingness to speculate. Look for such cause-and-effect issues in your academic courses or professional life. Or search for them in the media — though you should shy away from worn-out subjects, such as plagiarism, credit card debt, and celebrity scandals, unless you can offer fresh insights.

To find a subject, try the following approaches.

Look again at a subject you know well. It may be one that has affected you personally or might in the future. For instance, you may have experienced firsthand the effects of high-stakes testing in high school or you may have theories about why people your age still smoke despite the risks. Offer a hypothesis.

Look for an issue new to you. Choose a subject you’ve always wanted to know more about (for example, the long-term cultural effects of the 9/11 attacks). You probably won’t be able to venture a thesis or hypothesis until you’ve done some research, but that’s the appeal of this strategy. The material is novel and you are energized. (find a topic)

Examine a local issue. Look for recent changes on campus or in the community and examine why they happened or what their consequences may be. Talk to the people responsible or affected. (interview and observe) Tuition raised? Admissions standards lowered? Speech code modified? Why, or what if?

Choose a challenging subject. An issue that is complicated or vexed will push you to think harder. Don’t rush to judgment; remain open-minded about contrary evidence, conflicting motives, and different points of view.

Tackle an issue that seems settled. If you have guts, look for a phenomenon that most people assume has been adequately explained. Tired of the way Republicans, Wall Street economists, vegans, fundamentalists, or those women on The View smugly explain the way things are? Pick one sore point and offer a different — and better — analysis.