Here is an actual example of how to use this five-step process for narrowing the focus of a research topic.

 

Step 1: Tentative Topic

Topic: US Immigration Policy

 

Step 2: What do you know?

Irish famine helped fuel immigration from Europe in the mid- 1800s

 

Current trouble for companies who knowingly hire illegal aliens

 

Cuban immigration encouraged by U.S. government

 

Legal immigration is now a highly-regulated and complex system

 

Conflict over providing health care and education to immigrants in California

 

Step 3: Brainstorm Questions

How has U.S. immigration policy changed since the rush in the 1800s?

 

What issues does the U.S. consider when encouraging or prohibiting immigration from a particular country?

 

How does the government balance the economic burdens of immigration with the humanitarian need of refugees?

 

Why are Californians concerned about immigrants gaining access to public services?

 

What are the implications of companies hiring illegal immigrants? Does this hurt the job market or provide needed workers?

 

Step 4: Focusing Question

 

Why do some companies use illegal immigrant workers and what does this mean for the U.S. economy?

 

Step 5: Research Objectives

 

To examine:

What companies have a record of hiring illegal immigrants?

Why do companies find this practice necessary?

Who are the primary beneficiaries of their labor?

Research Guidebook