Tips to Selecting an Appropriate Research Topic

What is a research topic? It is the subject or issues that a researcher is interested in when conducting research. Selecting a relevant and researchable research topic could be challenging. The process could be exhausting – never-ending research, making mistakes, struggles in formulating a research question. It entails;

Best Topic Selection Tips

1. Brainstorm for Ideas
2. Conduct background research on your pre-selected area of inquiry
3. Focus on your topic to remain relevant
4. Be flexible – allowance for future amendments
5. Generate a list of research questions on your proposed topic
6. Conduct extensive research on how your research question has been answered in the past
7. Formulate a thesis statement
8. Begin the writing process

The Five Basics of a Research Topic

Could you be struggling with choosing the best topic for your research paper? I have interacted with thousands of students globally. I have learned that choosing a research paper topic is among the most challenging parts of research paper writing.
So, what are the five essential features of an excellent research topic?
First, always be sure to select a research topic that interests you. You would be more willing to explore deeper. Do choose a topic because your friends find it interesting unless you love it. However, if the professor specifies the topic, you don't have any other option than to pursue it.
Second, avoid choosing an over-exploited topic - you may end up reporting what is already known. You need to conduct relevant research before settling on a particular topic. Alternatively, you Contact Best Writers Online to advise you whether your topic is overexploited or not.
Third, ensure that there is the availability of information on your proposed research topic. There is no harm in researching an entirely new topic. Still, then, you need to know the fourth feature of an excellent research paper topic – manageability.
Fourth, can you manage to work on the research topic within the set time and available resources? If not, select a lighter topic. Do not choose a topic that needs years to complete, yet you have one term only.
Finally, do not be carried away in finding a topic that interests you and forgets the professor's instructions. Ensure you consult with the professor and have the topic approved before writing your research proposal/project.

Critical Questions to Address Before Selecting a Topic

Every research writer needs to address the 'why,' 'who,' 'what,' 'where,' and 'when' before settling on a particular topic (for essays, thesis, or research proposal).
- WHY did you choose the topic? Does it interest you? Why? Do you have background information about your topic? Is the topic relevant?
- WHO are the previous researchers on the selected topic? Who is affected by the topic? Who do you intend to consult or interview? Who is affiliated with the topic?
- WHAT is the research gap that you wish to address surrounding the topic? What do you intend to achieve by exploring the topic? What methodology will you apply? What is the debate surrounding the topic, if any?
- WHERE is your topic significant – local, national or international level? Where will you seek participants? Where will you source your data?
- WHEN is or was the topic relevant? When will you conduct the interview, if any? How long will it take? When do you intend to complete the research?
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