You want to write a paper on whether or not L.A. drivers are more cautious when
they see a police car, because of the danger of high speed chases.

You can't find enough information on this topic, so you need to broaden it.

Write your ideas below, and a revised research question.
Then, compare your answers with our example.

Too narrow: Do people in L.A. drive more cautiously when they see a police car, because they are worried about the L.A.P.D.'s high speed chases?

1. What are the most important words in this topic?

2. Ask yourself one or more of these questions, and list a variety of synonyms or related words that may expand the scope of your topics.

When?
Where?
Who?
What?

3. Write a revised research question in the box.