Building an interest inventory

"I'm just not interested enough in anything to write a research paper about it" If I had a nickel for every time I heard that phrase I would be a very wealthy man. When you stop and think about it though finding a topic your interested in can be a task of epic proportions in facet its what turns most people away from learning something new. Whether it be writers block or just plain confusion I have developed a short exercise to get the juices flowing. All you'll need is a piece of paper, a pen, and your thinkers. ill go through the process and then you give a try. you might just learn something new. We start by putting the following words into columns . Now under each title brainstorm words or phrases that come to mind when you hear these words. Maybe its something you want to learn or something you already understand. Don't worry if the columns seem small. you can always return to them and add more. Some words or phrases may even overlap categories.

Places: Earth, Mexico, Japan, The Great Wall of China, Niagara Falls, Bahamas, Disney world, NASA space station

Trends Drinking coffee, Rap music, concerts, Goth, "planet awareness", recycling, animal protection, social media, smoking, Designer clothing, celebrity photographs

Things cars, watches, bracelets, money, hats, shoes, books, computers, School supplies, Food, skateboards, IPods
 
Technologies IPods, computers, televisions, radios, microwaves, lights, refrigerators, heaters, headphones, cell phones

People President Obama, Alexander the Great, Napoleon, George Washington, martin Luther king Jr, Charles Darwin, Stephen King, Constantine, Hayley Williams, Johnny Depp, Tim burton, Einstein

Controversies same sex marriages, Marijuana, fossil fuels,  creation vs evolution, woman's rights, steroids, Justice system, Wars, economy, political parties, racism, religious freedom, Death penalty, Gun rights,

History Declaration of independence, Holocaust, World War 1, World War 2, Cold war, Vietnam War, Iraq War, Aztecs, Formation of language, Why were the ancient wonders built?, Who fired the first shot of the Civil War?

Jobs Doctor, Lawyer, teacher, minister, pastor, librarian, nurse, TV host, garbage man, post man

Habits chewing gum, whistling, drinking coffee, laughing loudly, hair twirling, habit vs superstition

Hobbies singing, playing guitar, skateboarding, writing, dancing, reading, acting in theatre

That was step one, and don't be discouraged the hard part is over, Now we come to the second part, Peruse your list again and ask yourself this question is there anything here that raises questions? something I wouldn't mind researching? Circle that word.

That's it for step 2! and now the final part. Start developing questions  about what you chose, write as many as comes to mind. I chose Einstein and here is what I came up with.

Who was Einstein?
How and where did he live?
Did he have any family?
Why is he famous?
Are any of his ideas correct or proven true?
How did he die?
is it true that he was truthfully a genius?
How did religious views tie into his ideas
Does he have any books or written resources?

I hope this strategy has sparked something deep down inside, Remember, this list is always open. Add and take away from it as you lease. Over time it will grow and show you what you find truly fascinating. That is the start of a great research paper and a wonderful opportunity to learn something new.

Explore on!