Chapter 3 HOW TO SELECT A TOPIC FOR RESEARCH

Topic is a subject of conversation or discussion: to provide a topic for discussion. the subject or

theme of a discourse or of one of its parts.

Selecting a Topic
The ability to develop a good research topic is an important skill. An instructor may assign you a
specific topic, but most often instructors require you to select your own topic of interest. When
deciding on a topic, there are a few things that you will need to do:
 brainstorm for ideas
 choose a topic that will enable you to read and understand the literature
 ensure that the topic is manageable and that material is available
 make a list of key words
 be flexible
 define your topic as a focused research question
 research and read more about your topic
 formulate a thesis statement

Be aware that selecting a good topic may not be easy. It must be narrow and focused enough to
be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information. Before selecting your topic, make
sure you know what your final project should look like. Each class or instructor will likely
require a different format or style of research project.

Use the steps below to guide you through the process of selecting a research topic.

Step 1: Brainstorm for ideas

Choose a topic that interests you. Use the following questions to help generate topic ideas.
 Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy?
 Did you read or see a news story recently that has piqued your interest or made you angry
or anxious?
 Do you have a personal issue, problem or interest that you would like to know more
about?
 Do you have a research paper due for a class this semester?
 Is there an aspect of a class that you are interested in learning more about?

Look at some of the following topically oriented Web sites and research sites for ideas.
 
  Are you interested in current events, government, politics or the social sciences?
 Try Washington File

 Are you interested in health or medicine?

 Look in Healthfinder.gov, Health & Wellness Resource Center or the National
Library of Medicine
 Are you interested in the Humanities; art, literature, music?
 Browse links from the National Endowment for the Humanities
 For other subject areas try:
 the Scout Report or the New York Times/ College Web site

Write down any key words or concepts that may be of interest to you. Could these terms help be
used to form a more focused research topic?

Be aware of overused ideas when deciding a topic. You may wish to avoid topics such as,
abortion, gun control, teen pregnancy, or suicide unless you feel you have a unique approach to
the topic. Ask the instructor for ideas if you feel you are stuck or need additional guidance.

 
Step 2: Read General Background Information
 Read a general encyclopedia article on the top two or three topics you are considering.
Reading a broad summary enables you to get an overview of the topic and see how your
idea relates to broader, narrower, and related issues. It also provides a great source for
finding words commonly used to describe the topic. These keywords may be very useful
to your later research. If you cant find an article on your topic, try using broader terms
and ask for help from a librarian.

For example, the Encyclopedia Britannica Online (or the printed version of this

encyclopedia, in Thompson Library's Reference Collection on Reference Table 1) may not
have an article on Social and Political Implications of Jackie Robinsons Breaking of the
Color Barrier in Major League Baseball but there will be articles on baseball history and
on Jackie Robinson.

Browse the Encyclopedia Americana for information on your topic ideas. Notice that both
online encyclopedias provide links to magazine articles and Web sites. These are listed in
the left or the right margins.
 Use periodical indexes to scan current magazine, journal or newspaper articles on your
topic. Ask a librarian if they can help you to browse articles on your topics of interest.
 Use Web search engines. Google and Bing are currently considered to be two of the best
search engines to find web sites on the topic.

Step 3: Focus on Your Topic

Keep it manageable
A topic will be very difficult to research if it is too broad or narrow. One way to narrow a broad
topic such as "the environment" is to limit your topic. Some common ways to limit a topic are:
 by geographical area

Example: What environmental issues are most important in the Southwestern United
States
 by culture

Example: How does the environment fit into the Navajo world view?
 by time frame:

Example: What are the most prominent environmental issues of the last 10 years?
 by discipline

Example: How does environmental awareness effect business practices today?

 by population group

Example: What are the effects of air pollution on senior citizens?

Remember that a topic may be too difficult to research if it is too:

 
 locally confined - Topics this specific may only be covered in these (local) newspapers, if
at all.

Example: What sources of pollution affect the Genesee County water supply?
 recent - If a topic is quite recent, books or journal articles may not be available, but
newspaper or magazine articles may. Also, Web sites related to the topic may or may not
be available.
 broadly interdisciplinary - You could be overwhelmed with superficial information.

Example: How can the environment contribute to the culture, politics and society of the
Western states?
 popular - You will only find very popular articles about some topics such as sports
figures and high-profile celebrities and musicians.

If you have any difficulties or questions with focusing your topic,discuss the topic with your
instructor, or with a librarian

 
Step 4: Make a List of Useful Keywords
Keep track of the words that are used to describe your topic.
  Look for words that best describe your topic
 Look for them in when reading encyclopedia articles and background and general
information
 Find broader and narrower terms, synonyms, key concepts for key words to widen your
search capabilities
 Make note of these words and use them later when searching databases and catalogs

Step 5: 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:

Assigned Length of Research Suggested guidelines for approximate number and

Paper or Project types of sources needed

1-2 page paper 2-3 magazine articles or Web sites

3-5 page paper 4-8 items, including book, articles (scholarly and/or
popular) and Web sites

Annotated Bibliography 6-15 items including books, scholarly articles, Web sites
and other items

10-15 page research paper 12-20 items, including books, scholarly articles, web sites
and other items
 
Step 6: 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, then begin to have questions about the topic. 

For example:

Ideas = Frank Lloyd Wright or modern architecture

Research Question = How has Frank Lloyd Wright influenced modern architecture?
Focused Research Question = What design principles used by Frank Lloyd Wright are
common in contemporary homes?
Step 7: Research and Read More About Your Topic
Use the key words you have gathered to research in the catalog, article databases, and Internet
search engines. Find more information to help you answer your research question.
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 8: Formulate a Thesis Statement
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.
The development of a thesis assumes there is sufficient evidence to support the thesis statement.

For example, a thesis statement could be: Frank Lloyd Wright's design principles, including his
use of ornamental detail and his sense of space and texture opened a new era of American
architecture. His work has influenced contemporary residential design. 

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.

For example, a title could be: Frank Lloyd Wright: Key Principles of Design For the Modern
Home

Remember to follow any specific instructions from your instructor.

 
Practical Exercises to Extend Your Learning
Identify three narrower aspects of the following broad topics. In other words, what are three
areas you could investigate that fit into these very broad topics?

Sports
Pollution
Politics
 

Identify a broader topic that would cover the following narrow topics. In other words, how could
you expand these topics to find more information?

Menus in Michigan prisons

Urban planning in Flint
 

Imagine that you have been assigned the following topics. Think of 5 keywords you might use to
look for information on each.

How does air quality affect our health?

What are the barriers to peace in the Middle East?
Should snowmobiling be allowed in wilderness areas?
How can welfare reform help poor children?
 Source: University of Michigan-Flint

Factors to Consider Before Choosing a Topic

1. Interest
2. Relevance with Career Path: Future scope and significance in the Job Market
3. Manageable (Time Bound)
4. Accessibility to Locale or Participants
5. Budget Friendly/Feasible
6. Specific in information
7. Creativity
How to Develop an Original Research Topic?

If you plan to propose an original topic, here are some tips to guide you:

1. Read a wide range of materials to find a subject that you are passionate about.
2. Immerse yourself in journal articles and theses associated with your topic.
3. Narrow your focus to a single research question. Be specific, original and realistic about
what you're able to achieve.
4. Take a flexible approach. As your research develops it is likely that some of your initial
ideas will be challenged. You might need to change or modify your question if necessary.
5. Make sure you stay up-to-date with the most recent developments in your field. This will
ensure your idea is achievable and that it has not already been addressed by another
researcher.
Again, it's essential to discuss your idea with your potential supervisor. They will have the
experience and expertise to guide your choice of research topic and provide ideas for your research
proposal.

Source: Murdoch University.

Summary

A good topic is:

 Broad enough that you can find

enough information on the
subject. It is always good to brainstorm about
 Focused enough that you are not your topic before jumping into a library
overwhelmed with too much or internet resource search. Your text
information.  book as well as the library's online
catalog can help provide a good
 Interesting to you overview of your topic.

Keep in mind, good research takes time

and effort.

Creating a research question can help to Determine your Search Strategy by

focus your research. What about your looking at your research question/topic
topic do you want to research? What statement and identify keywords and
aspects of the subject interest you? concepts. The Keywords will help you
Who when you begin searching library
resources.
What
Identify the keywords 
Where
 review your research question.
Why  review common terms from an
initial library/web search
How
 identify synonyms and words
related to topic

 record assigned
subjects/subject headings that
relate to your key words
Tips for Selecting a Thesis Topic
1. Combine ideas to create one in-depth concept that looks at an old issue in a new way.
2. Look for holes of opportunity in the published work of professionals and other students.
3. Embrace your creative side.
4. Before you commit to an idea, put it to the test.
5. Create a swipe file that includes a list of keywords

How Do You Know You Have a Research-Worthy Problem?

a. Look at personal interests and experiences.
b. Read scholarly literature to learn about what has already been discovered and
what gaps need to be filled.
c. Synthesize scholarly literature to identify similarities and differences.
d. Consult by seeking feedback from an experienced researcher

What is research gap?

The gap, also considered the missing piece or pieces in the research literature, is the area that
has not yet been explored or is under-explored. This could be a population or sample (size, type,
location, etc.), research method, data collection and/or analysis, or other research variables or
conditions.

Difference between Research gap and problem statement

Research gap is the research problem discovered after you'd conducted a rigorous literature

review. Problem statement is a constructed sentence how you describe your research
problem which is usually a subset of your research problem.

What are the key elements of a problem statement?

Problem statements often have three elements: the problem itself, stated clearly and with

enough contextual detail to establish why it is important; the method of solving the problem,
often stated as a claim or a working thesis; the purpose, statement of objective and scope of the
document the writer is preparing.

“A problem well stated is half solved”

1. A problem statement is a clear description of the issue(s), it includes a vision, issue

statement, and method used to solve the problem.
2. The 5 'W's can be used to spark the discussion about the problem.
3. A problem statement expresses the words that will be used to keep the effort focused and
it should represent a solvable problem.
Tips for reaching a topic of your Interest
1. Brain storming through Making a List.
2. Mind Mapping
3. Making a List of all that interests you and figuring out through the 5 Ws.
 1. A good Topic is not Generic but specific
2. Not too long but comprehensive
3. Must represent the whole idea.
4. Should not show bias/ should be impartial.

Can start topic with words as;

Ethnographic study of ……
Exploring……
Documenting Lived Experiences of….
Role of ……
Impact of ….
Cultural/ Social /Economic Perspective ….
Understanding….
Analyzing
Evaluating
Element Description

Provide a brief overview of your research project. Include your aims

Introduction
and objectives, and outline the question your research will address.

Outline a specific theoretical foundation for your research project.

Prove you are familiar with major theoretical and empirical
Background contributions by other researchers and frame your own research
question in this context. Remember to cite landmark studies in your
field.

Explain why your project is unique and how the new knowledge
Significance generated by your research project will contribute to existing
knowledge in this field.

Outline how you plan to conduct your research project including your
sources, research methods and how you plan to analyse and report
Methodology data. Be clear about the boundaries and conditions of your research.
Discuss the potential limitations of your methodology and show that
you have thought about the ethical issues involved.

You may like to cite similar studies to yours or landmark studies in

References
your field.

Note: Strict to the guidelines provided by University or Journel before planning an outline
or structure of your thesis or article.