MSW 530: Understanding Social Work Research

WATCH: Topic Development & Research Questions

Preliminary Research

Unless you are very familiar with your subject matter, you will want to spend a significant amount of time identifying the specific topic that interests you. In fact, you may want to examine several potential topics from which to make a final choice. The library has access to many subject-specialized reference sources that would assist in this initial step, such as reference sources about administrative leadership, school climate and planning, poverty and equity, facility planning, standards, and more. 

A bit of preliminary research will help you determine the viability of your research topic as well as assist you in narrowing the scope of your topic. Your professor can advise with the development of your topic. Below, you will find a list of resources that may be useful in this first stage of research:

WATCH: What is a Literature Review?