• Think about issues, problems or questions that interest you. Based on your assignment and the scope of these ideas, narrow them down to one that would be a feasible topic.
• Select appropriate search terms for your subject. For example:
  • school violence
  • three strikes
  • public defenders
  • death row/penalty
  • terrorism
  • cyber crime
• Search PittCat and subject-oriented databases.
• Revise your topic. Determine how you will answer your question.
• Evaluate your resources carefully!
• When in doubt, contact your librarian.

These sample worksheets will help you as you refine your research topic and evaluate scholarly journal articles.