When Your Topic is Too Broad
Often beginning researchers select a general topic that is too broad to research well. They do this because they are concerned about not finding enough information or because they don't know enough about the topic to realize that their general topic is enormous.
If pick something like "bipolar disorder", you need to realize that literally tens of thousands of articles have been written about it in the last 10 years, all much more narrowly focused. If the articles you select have something in common. It will give the speech natural structure, instead of you first I talking about Article A and then about Article X.
So instead of "bipolar disorder", think about how you can focus on a smaller aspect of this topic. Perhaps bipolar disorder and what's called "self-medication" (using alcohol or drugs to manage emotional extremes), which is a form of comorbidity. Or you could focus on "bipolar disorder type 1 in a specific group, like adult men. Or bipolar disorder and a specific behavior, like excessive spending.
But if you don't know much about a topic, how do you narrow it down? Read a little background information. (See the next box.)
