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Rsesearch Topic 

 

         Selecting a Research Topic - Guidelines

The ability to develop a good research topic is an important skill. Sometimes instructors will assign a specific topic, usually they will ask you to select a topic that interests you. When you choose your own topic, you will need to:
  1. brainstorm for ideas
  2. read general background information
  3. focus in on a manageable topic 
  4. make a list of useful keywords 
  5. be flexible 
  6. define your topic as a focused research question
  7. research and read more about your topic
  8. formulate a thesis statement
Be aware, selecting a good topic is not easy. It must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information for your research. Before you select your topic, make sure you know what your final research project should look like. Each instructor, or class, will have somewhat different requirements and purposes for research.
Use the steps below to help you carefully define and select your research topic.

Step 1: Brainstorm to get research topic ideas
  1. Choose a topic that interests you. Even if a topic has been assigned, you may be able to choose a particular aspect of the topic that interests you personally. Use the following questions to help you generate topic ideas.
  2. Is there an aspect of one of your courses you are interested in learning more about?
  3. Write down any words or phrases that may be of interest to you. Could any of these be the basis for a more focused topic?
  4. Use article databases to scan current journals articles on the topic.   Ask a librarian if they can help you to browse articles on any of your topics of interest.
  5. Use Web search engines and Medical databases to find Web sites on the topic.
Step 2: Focus in on your topic
  1. Keep it manageable. A topic will be very difficult to research if it is too broad, or too narrow. One way to narrow a broad topic such as "the environment" is to limit your topic. Common ways to limit a topic are: 
  2. by geographic region , by culture, by time frame 
  3. If you have any uncertainties about the focus of your topic: discuss your topic with your instructor
Step 3: Make a list of useful keywords
  1. Keep track of the words that are used to describe your topic. 
  2. Look for words that best describe your topic.
  3. Find synonyms, broader  and narrower terms for each keyword you find in order to expand your search capabilities
  4. Keep a list of these words to use as keywords later as you search in catalogs and other online databases

Step 4: Be flexible
It is common to modify your topic during the research process. You can never be sure of what you may find. You may find too much and need to narrow your focus, or too little and need to broaden your focus. This is a normal part of the research process. When researching, you may not wish to change your topic, but you may decide that some other aspect of the topic is more interesting or manageable. Keep in mind the assigned length of the research paper, project, bibliography or other research assignment. Be aware of the depth of coverage needed and the due date. These important factors may help you decide how much and when you will modify your topic. You instructor will probably provide specific requirements, if not the table below may provide a rough guide:
  1. Assigned length of research paper or project
  2. Suggested guidelines for approximate number and types of sources needed
  3. Remember to consult your instructor and assignment for specific requirements

Step 5: Define your topic as a focused research question
You will often begin with a word, develop a more focused interest in an aspect of something relating to that word, and then begin to have questions about the topic. 

Step 6: Research and read more about your topic
  1. Use the key words you have gathered to research in the catalogue, article databases and Internet search engines. Find more information to help answer your research question.
  2. You will need to do some research and reading before you select your final topic. Can you find enough information to answer your research question? Remember, selecting a topic is an important and complex part of the research process.

Step 7: Formulate a thesis statement
  1. Write your topic as a thesis statement. This may be the answer to your research question and/or a way to clearly state the purpose of your research. Your thesis statement will usually be one or two sentences that states precisely what is to be answered, proven, or what you will inform your audience about your topic.
  2. The development of a thesis assumes there is sufficient evidence to support the thesis statement.
  3. The title of your paper may not be exactly the same as your research question or your thesis statement, but the title should clearly convey the focus, purpose and meaning of your research.
  4. Remember to follow any specific instructions from your instructor.