The first step in the research process is to develop your topic.
Your first step should be to review the instructions for your assignment and consult your class notes. Make sure you understand the scope of the project, and ask your professor any questions about things that are still unclear for you.
The next step is to ask yourself a few questions: What interests you? How does this relate to your assignment? What questions do you have about your topic? What would you like to learn more about?
Tip: If you are having trouble finding a topic, consider a brainstorming activity. Use a tool like Miro to create a mind map or grab a pen and paper and write down everything you already know about your topic. These activities can help you connect the dots and find a topic!
Some questions you can ask to help determine if a research question is viable:
Is my topic too big or too simple for the length requirement?
Has anything been written on my topic?
Has enough been written on my topic?
What types of resources exist on my topic?
Is there current information on my topic?
Are there sources on my topic in languages I understand?
Do I find this topic interesting enough to write a paper on it?
Is this topic appropriate for an academic paper?
Some questions you can ask to help determine if a research question is appropriate for academic research:
Can the question be answered yes or no?
Can the question be answered in one sentence or a single paragraph?
Have entire books been written to answer this question?
Would this question be answered by compiling a set of facts or a list?
Does the question ask for a conclusion to be drawn once the facts are known?
Would answering this question help someone else who has an interest in this topic?