Is Your Topic Easy to Research? (It’s a Spectrum, Not a Yes/No)

One of the 3-E Test questions I push people to ask is: Is this topic easy to research?
But here’s the catch — “easy to research” doesn’t mean the same thing for every topic or every person.

Some subjects barely change from year to year. Others move so fast, if you blink, you’re outdated. And your own background plays a huge role too. Let’s break it down.

1. Static Topics: Learn Once, Teach Many

Think of real estate exam prep or lacrosse strategy.

• The core content doesn’t change much. A definition from 2015 is almost the same today.

• A lacrosse offense like a 2-3-1 is still a 2-3-1.

For these topics, “easy to research” means:

• You can gather the foundational material once.

• Updates are rare, so your research load is light.

• Most of your value is in how you deliver the material, not in constantly chasing new information.

2. Dynamic Topics: The Firehose

Now think of AI or digital marketing trends.

• Things evolve daily.

• What was cutting-edge six months ago might already be outdated.

For these topics, “easy to research” doesn’t mean low effort. It means:

• There are reliable streams of new information you can plug into.

• You don’t have to dig in obscure corners to stay updated — the firehose is wide open.

• Your job is to curate and interpret, not just memorize.

3. The Personal Factor: How Much Do You Already Know?

Two people could pick the same topic and have opposite experiences.

• If you’ve lived and breathed lacrosse for years, most of what you need is already in your head. Research becomes a “top-up.”

• If you’re brand new, even a static topic might feel overwhelming at first.

So “easy to research” is also about your starting line.

4. The Real Test

Here’s how to check your own topic:

• Can I find 10 solid resources in 30 minutes? (Google, YouTube, Amazon, Reddit, etc.)

• Does the field require constant updates or occasional ones?

• Do I already have enough knowledge to make research lighter?

If the answer is “yes” to the first question — and you can live with the rhythm of the second and third — then your topic is research-friendly.

The Bottom Line

“Easy to research” is not about avoiding work. It’s about knowing what kind of work you’re signing up for.

• Static fields = less research, more clarity and creativity in teaching.

• Dynamic fields = more research, but endless opportunities to stay fresh and relevant.

Neither is “better.” The right topic is the one where you feel comfortable managing the research load — and excited to keep showing up.