Brainstorming is the process by which ideas are produced using techniques like concept mapping, free-writing, etc. Choosing a topic can be a difficult process when starting an assignment, writing a paper, or working on an oral presentation. Brainstorming can be used to choose a topic or narrow down a broad topic.

Asking Questions

Who

• Who are the important / influential people (artists, designers, critics, writers, philosophers etc.) involved with my topic? This could also be a group or organization rather than an individual. 
• Who is the audience or end user?

What

• What are some examples of this topic? A work of art, building, film, product, service, etc.? 
• What is it made of, what does it look like, what style is it? 
• What are the creator’s aims, goals or concerns?

When

• What time period(s) are appropriate to this topic? 
• Has it been around for a long time, or is it new? 
• How did it originate? 
• If it is historical, what are the important milestone dates in its history?

Where

• Is it tied to a specific country, state, city or geographic area? 
• Has it been relocated to multiple places and if so, where? 
• What is the importance of place to my topic?

How

• Has this topic/idea/work influenced others? 
• How does it relate to the larger culture or context?

Why

• Is this topic/idea important–to others, and to me?

Information adapted from the GVSU Libraries Subject Guides.

Related Ideas

• Understanding Your Assignment
• Brainstorming Strategies:
  • Concept Mapping
  • Asking Questions
  • Narrowing a Topic
  • Broadening a Topic
  • Choosing Keywords
• Topic selection:
  • Choosing a topic from scratch
  • Choosing a topic from a theme
  • Choosing a topic with subject terms
• Developing a Research Question
• Finding Sources