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- 1800’s

· 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 1800’s?

· 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