The Bedford Researcher

Mike Palmquist
www.bedfordresearcher.com

My Research Project: Choose an Issue within Your Topic

In your research log, complete the following activity to narrow your topic to a
single issue.
1. What are the three most important issues I have identified so far?
Mental disorders/illnesses such as anxiety, major depression, and
post-traumatic stress.

2. Of these issues, which one will best help me sustain my interest in this
project?
Post-traumatic stress disorder.

3. Which one will best help me achieve my purposes as a writer?

Post-traumatic stress disorder or depression.

4. Which one will best address my readers needs, interests, values, and
beliefs?
PTSD.

5. Which one is best suited to my context (social, cultural, historical,

disciplinary, physical)?
PTSD.

6. Which one is most appropriate for the type of document I plan to

write?
PTSD.

7. Which one best fits the requirements of my assignment?

PTSD.

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The Bedford Researcher

Mike Palmquist
www.bedfordresearcher.com

8. Which one has the fewest limitations?

PTSD

9. Which one allows me to best take advantage of opportunities?

PTSD

10. Based on these answers, the issue I want to choose is:

Post-traumatic stress disorder and how it relates to mental health.

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