Making the decision to choose a research topic for your thesis or paper is a seemingly small step, but it is an extraordinarily important step on the journey to writing your research. The first step is to make sure your topic is properly formed before you begin your research. View the list of questions below to decide whether your topic is ready to be discussed.
Does the topic have a clear objective?
Do you have a clear research topic? Making a topic as comprehensive as possible is the ideal approach. In reality, this is tougher than it seems, since people often have one idea, but when they sit down to write, they decide on something completely different.
According to James Hamilton, a Ph.D. coach, finding a thesis topic depends on clarity: “Clarity is key.” Therefore, we recommend explaining your topic to someone outside your field of work/study. Describe and explain each aspect of the topic simply and concisely. Your topic will become clearer from a new perspective when you do this. Additions and development can only begin after that.
How searchable is the topic?
Once you are certain that the topic is completely clear, it’s time to figure out the most important factor: does the topic provide enough information? Typically, if you choose a topic based on something you’ve read before, or something you’ve heard during a lecture, then it will be highly searchable.
To find articles on this topic, you can use keywords related to your topic and look them up in catalogs, article databases, search engines, and libraries.
Do you think the topic is new/unique enough?
It’s true that any dissertation or research must meet a certain level of excellence. However, let’s be honest: No research is 100% original. Nevertheless, there is no harm in trying to write as much original/new research as possible. In your research, you will find a multitude of papers that explain a similar approach to yours. Using this opportunity will give you an opportunity to uncover an angle that has never been explored before.
Hence, we recommend identifying a gap in the research, or an angle that has already been studied but could be developed further. How? You can do this by paying attention to your sources.
Will the topic be interesting to the readers?
Academic writing does not need to be boring. You will notice a variation in the level of request and the level of people wanting to read your thesis based on the quality of your project. However, to answer the previous question, you need to determine who the readers/audiences for your research are and then adjust and develop the level of writing accordingly.
Bachelor’s theses should, for example, be of interest to the teacher/professor rating them. The master’s thesis should also catch the attention of your supervisor and prospective employer. Unlike a master’s degree, a Ph.D. thesis requires a great deal of attention. It becomes less difficult to write for your target audience once you know who you’re writing for.
How should your topic be approached?
One of the most important elements that can determine the success or failure of your research plan is choosing an appropriate research methodology. In defining methodology, timing and the overall goal of the research are crucial.
By determining the type of research you want and the amount of time that it takes, you will be able to determine the type of methodology right from the beginning. In case you want qualitative data, and you have the time, you could do this through a focus group. If you want quantitative data within a very short period, then an online survey will suffice. The research will be influenced by time and purpose in nearly every case.
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