A research topic needs to be narrow enough--focused enough--so that you can accomplish many things in just 3-10 pages (depending on your instructor's page requirements). You'll need to explain your thesis or research question, give your reader background information or context and explain your subject generally or from the perspective of your discipline of study (e.g. sociology, psychology, etc.). You may need to argue a position utilizing supporting evidence. And, you'll need to reach and write a conclusion. To do all that in just a few pages, your topic must be very specific. The tools on this page can help. Experiment and find the approach that is right for you.
4-minute how-to video by the Ohio State University Libraries explains 5 simple questions that will help you to narrow down your topic quickly: Who? What? When? Where? Why?
Optional worksheets will help you narrow down your topic using the 5Ws described in the video on this page.
Narrow My Topic - Word Worksheet
Narrow My Topic - Google Doc Worksheet