when choosing a research topic one needs to consider the following

How To Choose A Research Topic

Step-By-Step Tutorial With Examples + Free Topic Evaluator

By: Derek Jansen (MBA) | Expert Reviewer: Dr Eunice Rautenbach | April 2024

Choosing the right research topic is likely the  most important decision you’ll make on your dissertation or thesis journey. To make the right choice, you need to take a systematic approach and evaluate each of your candidate ideas across a consistent set of criteria. In this tutorial, we’ll unpack five essential criteria that will help you evaluate your prospective research ideas and choose a winner.

Overview: The “Big 5” Key Criteria

• Topic originality or novelty
• Value and significance
• Access to data and equipment
• Time limitations and implications
• Ethical requirements and constraints

Criterion #1: Originality & Novelty

As we’ve discussed extensively on this blog, originality in a research topic is essential. In other words, you need a clear research gap . The uniqueness of your topic determines its contribution to the field and its potential to stand out in the academic community. So, for each of your prospective topics, ask yourself the following questions:

• What research gap and research problem am I filling?
• Does my topic offer new insights?
• Am I combining existing ideas in a unique way?
• Am I taking a unique methodological approach?

To objectively evaluate the originality of each of your topic candidates, rate them on these aspects. This process will not only help in choosing a topic that stands out, but also one that can capture the interest of your audience and possibly contribute significantly to the field of study – which brings us to our next criterion.

Criterion #2: Value & Significance

Next, you’ll need to assess the value and significance of each prospective topic. To do this, you’ll need to ask some hard questions.

• Why is it important to explore these research questions?
• Who stands to benefit from this study?
• How will they benefit, specifically?

By clearly understanding and outlining the significance of each potential topic, you’ll not only be justifying your final choice – you’ll essentially be laying the groundwork for a persuasive research proposal , which is equally important.

Criterion #3: Access to Data & Equipment

Naturally, access to relevant data and equipment is crucial for the success of your research project. So, for each of your prospective topic ideas, you’ll need to evaluate whether you have the necessary resources to collect data and conduct your study.

Here are some questions to ask for each potential topic:

• Will I be able to access the sample of interest (e.g., people, animals, etc.)?
• Do I have (or can I get) access to the required equipment, at the time that I need it?
• Are there costs associated with any of this? If so, what are they?

Keep in mind that getting access to certain types of data may also require special permissions and legalities, especially if your topic involves vulnerable groups (patients, youths, etc.). You may also need to adhere to specific data protection laws, depending on the country. So, be sure to evaluate these aspects thoroughly for each topic. Overlooking any of these can lead to significant complications down the line.

Criterion #4: Time Requirements & Implications

Naturally, having a realistic timeline for each potential research idea is crucial. So, consider the scope of each potential topic and estimate how long each phase of the research will take — from literature review to data collection and analysis, to writing and revisions. Underestimating the time needed for a research project is extremely common , so it’s important to include buffer time for unforeseen delays.

Remember, efficient time management is not just about the duration but also about the timing . For example, if your research involves fieldwork, there may specific times of the year when this is most doable (or not doable at all).  So, be sure to consider both time and timing for each of your prospective topics.

Criterion #5: Ethical Compliance

Failing to adhere to your university’s research ethics policy is a surefire way to get your proposal rejected . So, you’ll need to evaluate each topic for potential ethical issues, especially if your research involves human subjects, sensitive data, or has any potential environmental impact.

Remember that ethical compliance is not just a formality – it’s a responsibility to ensure the integrity and social responsibility of your research. Topics that pose significant ethical challenges are typically the first to be rejected, so you need to take this seriously. It’s also useful to keep in mind that some topics are more “ethically sensitive” than others , which usually means that they’ll require multiple levels of approval. Ideally, you want to avoid this additional admin, so mark down any prospective topics that fall into an ethical “grey zone”.

If you’re unsure about the details of your university’s ethics policy, ask for a copy or speak directly to your course coordinator. Don’t make any assumptions when it comes to research ethics!

Key Takeaways

In this post, we’ve explored how to choose a research topic using a systematic approach. To recap, the “Big 5” assessment criteria include:

• Topic originality and novelty
• Time requirements
• Ethical compliance

Be sure to grab a copy of our free research topic evaluator sheet here to fast-track your topic selection process. If you need hands-on help finding and refining a high-quality research topic for your dissertation or thesis, you can also check out our private coaching service .

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Research Essentials

• Choosing a Research Topic

Introduction

Choosing a topic, improving your search.

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Research is a multifaceted process. In searching, you could find that your topic is too broad, pulling up too many irrelevant sources. Conversely, you could find that your topic is too narrow, resulting in too few sources or too many specifically irrelevant sources.

If your research isn't meeting your needs, take a moment to reflect on your research topic. How did you choose your topic? Did you have enough background knowledge before you started searching, or are you trying to make sense of your topic from highly academic journal articles? Use the prompts on this page to guide your reflection and refine your topic for more sustainable and inquiry-driven research.

1. Brainstorm possible topic ideas

• Consider your personal interests
• Talk about topics and your personal interests with classmates and peers
• Reflect on interesting social media content you've recently encountered. Most social media content is not scholarly but can be explored with scholarly research from academic sources
• Review class readings
• Read encyclopedia articles about potential topics
• Browse recent issues of journals, magazines, or newspapers
• Browse the library shelves for books on your subject

2. Review assignment requirements

• What kind of assignment is it - a 5-minute oral presentation, 3-page, or 10-page paper?
• How much information do you need?
• What kind of sources does the assignment require - peer-review, books, journal or newspaper articles, multimedia?
• How current does your information need to be - published in the last 3 years, 5 years, or 10 years?
• What types of publications would further your research - newspaper articles, books, journal articles, primary sources, trade publications?
• What formats do you need - visual, audio, printed, electronic?
• Do you need opinion pieces?
• How much time do you have?

3. List keywords to define your topic

• State your research topic as a question. If you want to write about music festivals, you could ask "How have music festivals affected the prevalence local music venues?"
• Think about the significant terms, concepts, and keywords that describe your topic. These terms will become the keywords for searching in library catalogs, online databases, and other resources.

4. Gather background information on your topic

Do some general reading in reference materials  and other library resources to get an overview of your topic and develop your own working knowledge of your topic.

Adapted from Duke University Libraries (Thanks to Duke librarians)

• Narrowing Your Topic
• Broadening Your Topic

Is your search producing too many irrelevant sources? Consider narrowing your topic to make your results list more manageable. Here are some options to consider when narrowing the scope of your paper:

• Aspect or sub-area: Consider only one piece of the subject. For example, if your topic is human cloning, investigate government regulation of cloning animals.
• Time: Limit the time span you examine. If you are writing about genetic testing, contrast public attitudes about genetic testing in the 1950's versus the 1990's.
• Population group: Limit by age, sex, race, occupation, species or ethnic group. Rather than writing about the job market for construction workers, narrow your topic to tunnel diggers.
• Geographical location: A geographic analysis can provide a useful means to examine an issue. If you are writing about climate change, narrow your topic by focusing on the effects of climate change in Bangladesh or Iceland.
• Theoretical approach: Limit your topic to a particular approach to the issue. If you are writing about Greek goddesses, you can further limit your topic by researching feminist approaches to studying the Greek pantheon.

More Suggestions:

• State your topic in the form of a research question or thesis statement.
• Ask "how" or "why" questions rather than who, what, when, and where questions or yes/no questions.
• Use specific words, i.e., use poetry instead of literature.
• Add more than one keyword  to your search. Use the Boolean connector AND to narrow your search; AND retrieves documents which include both terms in the search such as "gun control" AND "second amendment.

One narrowing might not be enough to yield relevant results. Keep refocusing your keywords, and keep notes of each time you further narrow your topic. This information is important when writing your introduction, where you define the scope of your inquiry into a topic.

Adapted from MIT Libraries Selecting a Research Topic Overview, https://libguides.mit.edu. Licensed under the Creative Commons  Attribution Non-Commercial License

If you're finding too few resources, consider broadening your topic. Think of related ideas, returning to some of your initial research in reference materials. You may not be finding enough information for several reasons, including:​​

• Your topic is too specific. Generalize what you are looking for. If your topic is genetic diversity for a specific ethnic group in Ghana, broaden your topic by generalizing to ethnic groups in Ghana or West Africa.
• Your topic is too new. If you're researching a breaking news event, you are likely to only find information about it in the news media. Be sure to search databases that contain articles from newspapers. If you are not finding enough in the news - or need scholarly sources for your paper - consider changing your topic to one that has been covered more extensively.
• Y ou have not checked enough databases for information. Find other databases in your subject area which might cover the topic from a different perspective.
• You are using normal, non-academic words to describe an academic topic. When reading background information, note how your topic is discussed, particularly how it is discussed in academic conversations. Keep note of these synonyms and start using them in your search.

Adapted from MIT Libraries Selecting a Research Topic Overview,, https://libguides.mit.edu. Licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License

• Use broader or more general search terms to describe your topic. For example, use "bioethics" instead of a specific issue like "stem cell research.
• Find alternative words. Search with synonyms. For example, instead of "teenagers" use "adolescents" or "teens" or "young adults."
• Use fewer keywords in your search.
• Use the Boolean connector OR to broaden your search. OR means more; it will search for either term in a search statement such as private OR public education.
• Try truncating your terms to include all variant endings of your keyword, such as legal* gives you legal, legalize, legalizes, legality, and legalization.

Because research is iterative, one broadening might not be enough to yield relevant results. Keep rethinking your keywords and search terms, and keep notes of each time you further broaden your topic. This information is important when writing your introduction, where you define the scope of your inquiry into a topic.

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Selecting a Research Topic: Overview

• Refine your topic
• Background information & facts
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Here are some resources to refer to when selecting a topic and preparing to write a paper:

• MIT Writing and Communication Center "Providing free professional advice about all types of writing and speaking to all members of the MIT community."
• Search Our Collections Find books about writing. Search by subject for: english language grammar; report writing handbooks; technical writing handbooks
• Blue Book of Grammar and Punctuation Online version of the book that provides examples and tips on grammar, punctuation, capitalization, and other writing rules.
• Select a topic

Choosing an interesting research topic is your first challenge. Here are some tips:

• Choose a topic that you are interested in! The research process is more relevant if you care about your topic.
• If your topic is too broad, you will find too much information and not be able to focus.
• Background reading can help you choose and limit the scope of your topic. 
• Review the guidelines on topic selection outlined in your assignment.  Ask your professor or TA for suggestions.
• Refer to lecture notes and required texts to refresh your knowledge of the course and assignment.
• Talk about research ideas with a friend.  S/he may be able to help focus your topic by discussing issues that didn't occur to you at first.
• WHY did you choose the topic?  What interests you about it?  Do you have an opinion about the issues involved?
• WHO are the information providers on this topic?  Who might publish information about it?  Who is affected by the topic?  Do you know of organizations or institutions affiliated with the topic?
• WHAT are the major questions for this topic?  Is there a debate about the topic?  Are there a range of issues and viewpoints to consider?
• WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or international level?  Are there specific places affected by the topic?
• WHEN is/was your topic important?  Is it a current event or an historical issue?  Do you want to compare your topic by time periods?

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How to Select a Research Topic: A Step-by-Step Guide (2021)

by  Antony W

September 15, 2021

Learning how to select a research topic can be the difference between failing your assignment and writing a comprehensive research paper. That’s why in this guide we’ll teach you how to select a research topic step-by-step.

You don’t need this guide if your professor has already given you a list of topics to consider for your assignment . You can skip to our guide on how to write a research paper .

If they have left it up to you to choose a topic to investigate, which they must approve before you start working on your research study, we suggest that you read the process shared in this post.

Choosing a topic after finding your research problem is important because:

• The topic guides your research and gives you a mean to not only arrive at other interesting topics but also direct you to discover new knowledge
• The topic you choose will govern what you say and ensures you keep a logical flow of information.

Picking a topic for a research paper can be challenging and sometimes intimidating, but it’s not impossible. In the following section, we show you how to choose the best research topic that your instructor can approve after the first review.

How to Select a Research Topic 

Below are four steps to follow to find the most suitable topic for your research paper assignment:

Step 1: Consider a Topic that Interests You 

If your professor has asked you to choose a topic for your research paper, it means you can choose just about any subject to focus on in your area of study. A significant first step to take is to consider topics that interest you.

An interesting topic should meet two very important conditions.

First, it should be concise. The topic you choose should not be too broad or two narrow. Rather, it should be something focused on a specific issue. Second, the topic should allow you to find enough sources to cite in the research stage of your assignment.

The best way to determine if the research topic is interesting is to do some free writing for about 10 minutes. As you free write, think about the number of questions that people ask about the topic and try to consider why they’re important. These questions are important because they will make the research stage easier for you.

You’ll probably have a long list of interesting topics to consider for your research assignment. That’s a good first step because it means your options aren’t limited. However, you need to narrow down to only one topic for the assignment, so it’s time to start brainstorming.

Step 2: Brainstorm Your Topics 

You aren’t doing research at this stage yet. You are only trying to make considerations to determine which topic will suit your research assignment.

The brainstorming stage isn’t difficult at all. It should take only a couple of hours or a few days depending on how you approach.

We recommend talking to your professor, classmates, and friends about the topics that you’ve picked and ask for their opinion. Expect mixed opinions from this audience and then consider the topics that make the most sense. Note what topics picked their interest the most and put them on top of the list.

You’ll end up removing some topics from your initial list after brainstorming, and that’s completely fine. The goal here is to end up with a topic that interests you as well as your readers.

Step 3: Define Your Topics 

Check once again to make sure that your topic is a subject that you can easily define. You want to make sure the topic isn’t too broad or too narrow.

Often, a broad topic presents overwhelming amount of information, which makes it difficult to write a comprehensive research paper. A narrow topic, on the other hand, means you’ll find very little information, and therefore it can be difficult to do your assignment.

The length of the research paper, as stated in the assignment brief, should guide your topic selection.

Narrow down your list to topics that are:

• Broad enough to allows you to find enough scholarly articles and journals for reference
• Narrow enough to fit within the expected word count and the scope of the research

Topics that meet these two conditions should be easy to work on as they easily fit within the constraints of the research assignment.

Step 4: Read Background Information of Selected Topics  

You probably have two or three topics by the time you get to this step. Now it’s time to read the background information on the topics to decide which topic to work on.

This step is important because it gives you a clear overview of the topic, enabling you to see how it relates to broader, narrower, and related concepts. Preliminary research also helps you to find keywords commonly used to describe the topic, which may be useful in further research.

It’s important to note how easy or difficult it is to find information on the topic.

Look at different sources of information to be sure you can find enough references for the topic. Such periodic indexes scan journals, newspaper articles, and magazines to find the information you’re looking for. You can even use web search engines. Google and Bing are currently that best options to consider because they make it easy for searchers to find relevant information on scholarly topics.

If you’re having a hard time to find references for a topic that you’ve so far considered for your research paper, skip it and go to the next one. Doing so will go a long way to ensure you have the right topic to work on from start to finish.

Get Research Paper Writing Help 

If you’ve found your research topic but you feel so stuck that you can’t proceed with the assignment without some assistance, we are here to help. With our research paper writing service ,  we can help you handle the assignment within the shortest time possible.

We will research your topic, develop a research question, outline the project, and help you with writing. We also get you involved in the process, allowing you to track the progress of your order until the delivery stage.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

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Choosing a Research Topic

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Where to Find Ideas

Persuasive paper assignments, dissertations and theses.

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If you are starting a research project and would like some help choosing the best topic, this guide is for you.  Start by asking yourself these questions:

What does your instructor require? What interests you? What information sources can support your research? What is doable in the time you have?

While keeping these questions in mind, find suggestions in this guide to select a topic, turn that topic into a database search, and make your research manageable.  You will also find more information in our About the Research Process guide.

Whether your instructor has given a range of possible topics to you or you have to come up with a topic on your own, you could benefit from these activities:  

Consult Course Materials If a reading, film, or other resource is selected by your instructor, the subject of it is important to the course. You can often find inspiration for a paper in these materials.

• Is a broad topic presented?  You can focus on a specific aspect of that topic.  For example, if your class viewed a film on poverty in the United States, you could look at poverty in a specific city or explore how poverty affects Americans of a specific gender, ethnic group, or age range.
• Are experts presented, quoted, or cited?  Look up their work in BU Libraries Search or Google Scholar .

Use Background Sources If you've identified one or more topics you'd like to investigate further, look them up in an encyclopedia, handbook, or other background information source.  Here are some good places to start.

• Britannica Academic This link opens in a new window Online version of Encyclopædia Britannica along Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary and Thesaurus, magazines and periodicals and other reference sources.
• Oxford Reference This link opens in a new window Published by Oxford University Press, it is a fully-indexed, cross-searchable database containing dictionaries, language reference and subject reference works.

Explore the Scholarly Literature Ask your instructor or a librarian to guide you to the top journals in the field you're studying.  Scanning the tables of contents within these journals will provide some inspiration for your research project.  As a bonus, each of the articles in these journals will have a bibliography that will lead you to related articles, books, and other materials.

Ask a Librarian We are here to help you!  You can request a consultation or contact us by email or through our chat service .  We can help you identify what interests you, where to find more about it, and how to narrow the topic to something manageable in the time you have.

If your assignment entails persuading a reader to adopt a position, you can conduct your research in the same way you would with any other research project. The biggest mistake you can make, however, is choosing a position before you start your research.   Instead, the information you consult should inform your position.  Researching before choosing a position is also much easier; you will be able to explore all sides of a topic rather than limiting yourself to one.

If you would like examples of debates on controversial topics, try these resources:

• CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window Covers the most current and controversial issues of the day with summaries, pros and cons, bibliographies and more. Provides reporting and analysis on issues in the news, including coverage of issues relating to health, social trends, criminal justice, international affairs, education, the environment, technology, and the economy.
• New York Times: Room for Debate Selections from the New York Times' opinion pages.
• ProCon.org Created by Britannica, this site exposes readers to two sides of timely arguments. Each article includes a bibliography of suggested resources.

If you are writing a dissertation or thesis, you will find more specialized information at our Guide for Writers of Theses and Dissertations .

If you would like to find published dissertations and theses, please use this database:

This database contains indexing and abstracts of American doctoral dissertations accepted at accredited institutions since 1861 and a selection from other countries. Masters theses are included selectively. Date coverage: full text 1997 - present; abstracts 1980 - present; indexing 1861 - present.

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Finding your Goal: How to choose a research topic

Finding a research topic can be challenging, but the steps outlined in this article will help you with that.

The study of science and academics cannot be completed without research. You’ll need to choose a research topic carefully when writing a research paper or conducting a study, no matter whether you’re a student or a professional researcher. It is your choice of topic that determines how your study will be conducted and ultimately how successful it will be.

If you don’t know where to begin or what factors to consider when choosing a research topic, it can be daunting. It is possible to choose a research topic in a variety of ways, and what is effective for one person may not be effective for another, but the question remains the same: “How to choose a research topic?”

Well, choosing the right topic takes some trial and error, and it’s not a one-size-fits-all process. Let’s discuss a few key factors to consider when choosing a research topic that aligns with your passion, expertise, and research goals in this blog.

A Well-Chosen Research Topic Can Make or Break Your Project

If you want to conduct a successful research project, it is imperative to pick a good research topic, regardless of your field or discipline. The topic you choose will influence your research’s direction and scope, as well as its methods and approaches. It is important to choose a topic that will allow you to explore your area of interest in-depth and also contribute to the existing body of knowledge in the field.

The first step to conducting a meaningful and fulfilling research project is choosing a good research topic. Your enthusiasm and dedication to the subject matter will lead to better outcomes when you’re passionate about it. Even when faced with challenges or setbacks during the project, a well-chosen research topic will keep you focused and motivated.

In addition to being beneficial to your own research project, a research topic can also have a broader impact on the field at large. You can help advance the field by selecting a topic that addresses a knowledge gap, contributes to an ongoing debate, or informs policy or practice by providing new insights. Additionally, an interesting research topic can provide opportunities to collaborate with other researchers, leading to further advancements and broader networks in the field.

A successful and rewarding research project depends on choosing the right research topic for you. The best way to achieve a fulfilling and impactful research experience is to choose topics aligned with your interests and expertise, contribute to the field, and allow for meaningful engagement.

Unlocking Ideas: How to brainstorm your research topic

A brainstorming session is a crucial first step in selecting a research topic. Identifying potential options and taking into account factors such as feasibility, relevance, and significance are essential steps. Depending on your research goals and personal preferences, you may benefit from using different brainstorming techniques. 

Visual diagrams that organize ideas around a central topic, such as mind maps, are an effective way to settle ideas. The central topic should be written in the center of the page, then related ideas or subtopics should be written around it. Identifying potential research directions can be accomplished by seeing how different ideas are connected. 

Listing is another method, where you write as many topics as possible without worrying about their feasibility or relevance at first. Based on your expertise, the significance of the research question , the availability of data and resources, and the time required to complete the research, you can narrow down the list of potential topics. 

Brainstorm with a group or seek feedback from peers, mentors, or colleagues, who may offer unique insights and perspectives. A good research topic can be identified by brainstorming, and by using different techniques and taking into account various factors, you can choose one that fits your interests, goals, and resources.

How to Choose a Research Topic: 6 Steps to Make It Easy

Following these steps will help you choose a research topic that fits your interests, expertise, and objectives, while also being feasible to conduct within the constraints of your resources and schedule.

1. Brainstorm possible subject matter

Begin by brainstorming a list of potential research topics that are of interest to you in order to narrow down your choices. If you have a specific question or topic that you are curious about, this could be anything from a broad topic that you are passionate about to a more specific question, that’s the perfect time to write it down. Be sure to take into consideration your field of study, current events, and any research gaps you have discovered in your area of expertise. Make a list of any ideas that come to mind, no matter how unrelated or impractical they may seem. As a result, you will be able to generate many potential topics to explore.

2. Think about your expertise and interests

Identify a topic that corresponds to your interests and expertise. When you are passionate about your topic, your research will be more engaging and motivating. Make a list of topics you’re familiar with and topics you’re interested in learning about. The goal is to choose a topic that you enjoy researching and will keep you motivated throughout the research process.

3. Do a literature review

After you’ve compiled a list of potential topics, review the literature to see what previous research has been done in the area. As a result, you will be able to identify gaps in the existing research that you might be able to fill. Gather relevant research articles and papers by searching academic databases, journals, and other credible sources. Study the literature carefully, making notes on key findings and areas that have not been addressed. By focusing on topics that lack extensive research or that have gaps in the existing literature, you will be able to narrow down your list of potential research topics.

4. Assess the feasibility

Consider factors like data availability, time constraints, and access to research participants or resources once you have a list of possible topics. You can use this information to determine which topics may be suitable for your research. Consider ensuring you have enough participants for your study if you intend to do a large-scale study that requires a large sample size. Considering the resources and equipment you’ll need for your research is important if you’re working within a limited budget.

5. Make your research question more specific 

As soon as you have chosen your topic, refine your research question to make sure it is specific, relevant, and feasible. Your research will be guided, and you will stay on track by doing this. Good research questions are clear and concise, and they identify the specific problem you’re trying to solve. You should ensure that your research question is based on existing research and that it can be conducted within the time and resource constraints you have.

6. Be open to feedback 

You may benefit from the feedback of colleagues, advisors, or other experts in your field regarding the topic and research question you have chosen. You may gain valuable insights from them or find alternative approaches you hadn’t thought of. Your research question can be refined further by doing this, and you can ensure that you are on the right track with your research.

A successful research project depends on choosing the right topic. You’re just beginning a long and rewarding journey when you choose a research topic. Perseverance and dedication can lead to research that advances human understanding of our world and contributes to the advancement of your field.

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Aayushi Zaveri majored in biotechnology engineering. She is currently pursuing a master's degree in Bioentrepreneurship from Karolinska Institute. She is interested in health and diseases, global health, socioeconomic development, and women's health. As a science enthusiast, she is keen in learning more about the scientific world and wants to play a part in making a difference.

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Factors to Consider When Choosing a Research Topic

Discover how to pick the perfect research topic with our expert guide.

Boarding on a research journey is an exciting yet challenging endeavor, often commencing with the pivotal decision of selecting a research topic. This initial choice can significantly shape the trajectory of the entire scholarly pursuit, influencing the depth, breadth, and impact of the study. In this article, iLovePhD highlighted the key factors to be considered in Choosing a Research Topic to carry out innovative and purposeful research for the benefit of mankind.

Personal Interest and Passion:

• Passion is the fuel that drives perseverance and dedication.
• Choosing a research topic aligned with one’s interests fosters genuine enthusiasm, making the journey more enjoyable and sustaining motivation throughout the often lengthy process.
• A topic that resonates with the researcher ’s curiosity or aligns with their personal values tends to yield more profound insights and a deeper understanding.

Relevance and Significance:

• An impactful research topic should address a pertinent issue or gap in existing knowledge.
• Assessing the relevance and significance of a topic within the academic field or its practical implications in the real world is crucial.
• Consider its potential contribution to the field, societal relevance, and the extent to which it can fill a knowledge vacuum or address an existing problem.

Feasibility and Scope:

• While enthusiasm is vital, feasibility is equally important.
• Evaluating the scope of the research topic in terms of available resources, time, and access to necessary data or materials is crucial.
• Researchers must ascertain whether the chosen topic is manageable within the given constraints without compromising the depth or quality of the study.

Originality and Innovation:

• Originality sparks intellectual curiosity and encourages the exploration of new ideas.
• A novel approach or unique perspective on a familiar topic can breathe fresh life into research.
• Consider whether the chosen topic offers an opportunity for innovative thinking or the potential to generate new knowledge, methodologies, or paradigms.

Research Gap and Literature Review:

• Conducting a thorough literature review is essential to identify gaps in existing research.
• A robust research topic often emerges from gaps or inconsistencies found in previous studies.
• Understanding what has been done and what remains unexplored in the field helps pinpoint areas where new research can make a significant contribution.

Audience and Impact:

• Consider the intended audience for the research and its potential impact.
• Will the findings cater to fellow researchers, policymakers, practitioners, or the general public?
• Understanding the target audience and envisioning the potential impact of the research aids in shaping the study to ensure it resonates with and contributes meaningfully to the intended community.

Ethical and Social Considerations:

• Ethical implications are vital in research.
• Researchers must consider the potential consequences and ethical implications of their work.
• This includes ensuring that the research respects the rights and dignity of participants and adheres to ethical guidelines and standards.

Selecting a research topic is a pivotal stage in the research process. By considering these factors, researchers can make informed decisions that align with their interests, contribute meaningfully to the academic community, and potentially bring about real-world change. Ultimately, a well-chosen research topic sets the stage for a rewarding and impactful scholarly journey. Happy Researching!

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Writing and Research: Choosing a Topic

• Getting Started
• Choosing a Topic
• Creating an Outline
• Conducting Research
• Drafting an Essay
• Revising an Essay
• Creating Citations

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Using Wikipedia to Generate Topic Ideas

Wikipedia   Although it's generally not acceptable to cite Wikipedia as a source in your paper, it's a great tool for exploring topic ideas and gathering search terms.

Additional Resources on Choosing Topics

Selecting a Research Topic   MIT Libraries covers the basics of selecting a research topic.

Choosing a Research Topic   Grinnell College Library offers in-depth advice for choosing, narrowing, and/or broadening research topics.

401 Prompts for Argumentative Writing   The New York Times features 401 ideas for research questions based on an array of contemporary issues.

How to Generate Topic Ideas for Research Papers   This article offers tips for generating research topic ideas.

Research Proposals

How to Write a Research Proposal This guide covers the components of a research proposal and how to write one.

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7.5: Choosing Your Topic

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Your first step is to choose a topic and then to develop research questions and a working thesis. It’s important to set aside adequate time for this part of the process. Fully exploring ideas will help you build a solid foundation for your paper.

Identifying Potential Topics

When you choose a topic for a research paper, you are making a major commitment. Your choice will help determine whether you enjoy the lengthy process of research and writing—and whether your final paper fulfills the assignment requirements. If you choose your topic hastily, you may later find it difficult to work with your topic. By taking your time and choosing carefully, you can ensure that this assignment is not only challenging but also rewarding.

Writers understand the importance of choosing a topic that fulfills the assignment requirements and fits the assignment’s purpose and audience. Choosing a topic that genuinely interests you is also crucial. You instructor may provide a list of suggested topics or ask you to develop a topic on your own. You may find inspiration for topic ideas in your everyday life, by browsing magazines, or looking at lists of topics or themes in online databases such Opposing Viewpoints, CQ Researcher Online, Bloom’s Literary Reference Online, and Literature Resource Center. In addition to Prewriting Techniques, use tools on the Web, such as Topic-o-rama and Wridea, to help you brainstorm your topic.

You may benefit from identifying several possibilities before committing to one idea. Building a list of potential topics will help you to identify additional, related topics. In this chapter, you will follow a writer named Jorge, who is studying healthcare administration, as he prepares a research paper. Jorge was assigned to write a research paper on current debates about healthy living for an introductory course in health care. Although a general topic was selected for the students, Jorge had to decide which specific issues interested him. He brainstormed the following list of possibilities:

Example \(\PageIndex{1}\):

• Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) in the news
• Sexual education programs
• Hollywood and eating disorders
• Americans’ access to public health information
• Medial portrayals of health care reform
• Depictions of drugs on television
• The effect of the Internet on mental health
• Popularized diets (such as low-carbohydrate diets)
• Fear of pandemics (bird flu, H1N1, SARS)
• Electronic entertainment and obesity
• Advertisements for prescription drugs
• Public education and disease prevention

Focusing on a Topic

After identifying potential topics, you will need to evaluate your list and choose one topic to pursue as the focus of your research paper. Discussing your ideas with your instructor, peers, and tutors will help ensure that you choose a manageable topic that fits the requirements of the assignment. The following are some questions to consider:

• Will you be able to find enough information about the topic?
• Can you take an arguable position on the topic?
• Is the topic too broad or too narrow for the scope of the assignment? If so, can you modify the topic so it is more manageable?

You will also need to narrow your topic so you can formulate a concise, manageable thesis about it. Most writers find that the topics they listed during brainstorming or idea mapping are broad—too broad for the scope of the assignment. Working with an overly broad topic, such as sexual education programs or popularized diets, can be frustrating and overwhelming. Each topic has so many facets that it would be impossible to cover them all in a college research paper. However, more specific choices, such as the pros and cons of sexual education in kids’ television programs or the physical effects of the South Beach diet, are specific enough to write about without being so narrow that they can’t sustain an entire research paper. A good research paper provides focused, in-depth information and analysis. If your topic is too broad, you will find it difficult to do more than skim the surface when you research it and write about it. To narrow your focus, explore your topic in writing. Also, conduct preliminary research, including discussing the topic with others.

You may be asking yourself, “How am I supposed to narrow my topic when I haven’t even begun researching yet?” In fact, you may already know more than you realize. Review your list and identify your top two or three topics. Set aside some time to explore each one through Prewriting Techniques. Taking the time to focus on your topic may yield fresh angles. For example, Jorge knew that he was especially interested in the topic of diet fads, but he also knew that it was much too broad for his assignment. He used freewriting to explore his thoughts so he could narrow his topic. Read Jorge’s following ideas from freewriting.

Our instructors are always saying that accurate, up-to-date information is crucial in encouraging people to make better choices about their health. I don’t think the media does a very good job of providing that, though. Every time I go on the Internet, I see tons of ads for the latest ‘miracle food’. One week it’s acai berries, the next week it’s green tea, and then six months later I see a news story saying all the fabulous claims about acai berries and green tea are overblown! Advice about weight loss is even worse. Think about all the diet books that are out there! Some say that a low-fat diet is best; some say you should cut down on carbs; and some make bizarre recommendations like eating half a grapefruit with every meal. I don’t know how anybody is supposed to make an informed decision about what to eat when there’s so much confusing, contradictory information. I bet even doctors, nurses, and dieticians have trouble figuring out what information is reliable and what is just the latest hype.

Another way that writers focus on a topic is by conducting preliminary research. Talk about your ideas with your classmates, friends, and family. Like freewriting, exploratory reading can help you identify interesting angles. Surfing the web is a good way to start. Find out what people are saying about your topic in online newspapers, magazines, blogs, and discussion boards. Keep in mind that the reliability of online sources varies greatly. In this exploratory phase of your research, you do not need to evaluate sources as closely as you will later; however, use common sense as you refine your paper topic. If you read a fascinating blog comment that gives you a new idea, search for some fully developed sources on that topic to see if it’s worth pursuing. If you are writing a research paper for a specialized course, look back through your notes and course activities to identify potential topics. Remind yourself of reading assignments and class discussions that especially engaged you. Doing so can help you identify topics to pursue. If the readings or viewings assigned in your course deal with your topic, then review and take notes on those materials. Librarians and instructors can help you to determine if there are enough sources available on your topic, or if there are so many sources that it would be wise to narrow your topic further.

Jorge’s freewriting exercise helped him realize that the assigned topic of current debates about healthy living intersected with a few of his own interests—diet, nutrition, and obesity. Preliminary online research and discussions with his classmates strengthened his impression that many people are confused or misled by media coverage of these subjects. Jorge decided to focus his paper on a topic that had garnered a great deal of media attention—low-carbohydrate diets. He wanted to find out whether low-carbohydrate diets were as effective as their proponents claimed.

Writing at Work

At work, you may need to research a topic quickly to find general information. This information can be useful in understanding trends in a given industry or generating competition. For example, a company may research a competitor’s prices and use the information when pricing their own product. You may find it useful to skim a variety of sources and take notes on your findings.

Set a timer for five minutes. Use prewriting techniques to create a list of topics you would be interested in researching for a paper about the influence of the Internet on social networking. Which social networking sites do you and your friends use? Do you closely follow a particular social media website, such as Twitter? Would you like to learn more about a certain industry, such as online dating? Would you like to learn more about people’s use of the Internet to build support for social causes? List as many ideas related to this topic as you can.

Choose two topics from the list you created above. Spend five minutes freewriting about each of these topics. Choose the topic about which you more enjoyed freewriting. Then, review your freewriting to identify possible areas of focus.

Collaborative exercise: Swap lists of potential topics with a classmate. Select one or two topics on your classmate’s list about which you would like to learn more. Explain to your classmate why you find those topics interesting. Ask your classmate which of the topics on your list s/he would like to learn more about and why.

Determining Paths of Inquiry

Your freewriting and preliminary research have helped you choose a focused, manageable topic for your research paper. To work with your topic successfully, you will need to determine what exactly you want to learn about it—and what you want to say about it. Before you begin conducting in-depth research, you will further define your focus by developing research questions and a working thesis.

By forming research questions about your topic, you are setting a goal for your research. Determine your main question—the primary focus of your paper—and several subquestions that you will need to research in more depth to answer your main question. Your main research question should be substantial enough to form the guiding principle of your paper—but focused enough to guide your research. A strong research question requires you not only to find information but also to put together different pieces of information, interpret and analyze them, and figure out what you think. As you consider potential research questions, ask yourself whether they would be too hard or too easy to answer. Review the results of your prewriting, and skim through your preliminary research. From these, write both simple, factual questions and more complex questions that would require analysis and interpretation to answer.

Below are the research questions Jorge will use to focus his research. Notice that his main research question has no obvious, straightforward answer. Jorge will need to research his subquestions, which address narrower topics, to answer his main question.

Topic : Low-carbohydrate diets

Main question : Are low-carbohydrate diets as effective as they have been portrayed to be by media sources?

Subquestions :

• Who can benefit from following a low-carbohydrate diet?
• What are the supposed advantages to following a low-carbohydrate diet?
• When did low-carbohydrate diets become a ‘hot’ topic in the media?
• Where do average consumers get information about diet and nutrition?
• Why has the low-carb approach received so much media attention?
• How do low-carb diets work?

A working thesis concisely states a writer’s initial answer to the main research question. It does not merely state a fact or present a subjective opinion. Instead, it expresses a debatable idea or claim that you hope to prove through research. Your working thesis is called a working thesis for a reason: it is subject to modification. You may adapt your thinking in light of your research findings. Let your working thesis serve as a guide to your research, but do not hesitate to change your path as you learn about your topic.

One way to determine your working thesis is to consider how you would complete statements that begin, “I believe…” or “My opinion is…”. These first-person phrases are useful starting points even though you may eventually omit them from sentences in your research paper. Generally, formal research papers use an assertive, objective voice and, therefore, do not include first-person pronouns. Some readers associate I with informal, subjective writing. Some readers think the first-person point of view diminishes the impact of a claim. For these reasons, some instructors will tell you not to use I in research papers.

Jorge began his research with a strong point of view based on his preliminary writing and research. Read his working thesis statement, below, which presents the point he will argue. Notice how it states Jorge’s tentative answer to his research question.

Main research question : Are low-carb diets as effective as they have sometimes been portrayed to be by the mass media?

Working thesis statement : Low-carb diets do not live up to the media hype surrounding them.

Before you begin a new project at work, you may have to develop a project summary document that states the purpose of the project, explains why it would be a wise use of company resources, and briefly outlines the steps involved in completing the project. This type of document is similar to a research proposal for an academic purpose. Both define and limit a project, explain its value, discuss how to proceed, and identify what resources you will use.

Using the topic you have selected, write your main research question and at least four subquestions. Check that your main research question is appropriately complex for your assignment.

Write a working thesis statement that presents your preliminary answer to the research question you wrote above. Think about whether your working thesis statement presents an idea or claim that could be supported or refuted by evidence from research.

Research Process: An Overview: Choosing a Topic

• Choosing a Topic
• Refining Your Topic
• Finding Information
• Evaluating Your Sources
• Database Searching
• APA Citation This link opens in a new window
• Topic selection
• Brainstorm Questions
• Tip: Keywords
• Finding Topic Ideas Online

Read Background Information

Tip: keywords.

Keywords are the main terms that describe your research question or topic.   Keep track of these words so you can use them when searching for books and articles.

• Identify the main concepts in your research question. Typically there should only be two or three main concepts.
• Look for keywords that best describe these concepts.
• You can look for keywords when reading background information or encyclopedia articles on your topic
• Use a thesaurus, your textbook and subject headings in databases to find different keywords.

Related Research Guides

APA Citation

Click through the tabs to learn the basics, find examples, and watch video tutorials.

English Writing Skills

This guide supports academic and business writing, including a basic review of grammar fundamentals, writing guides, video tutorials on business writing, and resources for the TOEFL, IELTS, and PTE exams.

Getting Started

Topic selection.

Choosing your topic is the first step in the research process. 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. 

For help getting started on the writing process go to the  GGU Online Writing Lab (Writing tutor) where you can set up and appointment with a writing tutor.

#1 Research ti p:  Pick a topic that interests you.  You are going to live with this topic for weeks while you research, read, and write your assignment. Choose something that will hold your interest and that you might even be excited about. Your attitude towards your topic will come across in your writing or presentation!

Brainstorming  is a technique you can use to help you generate ideas. Below are brainstorming exercises and resources to help you come up with research topic ideas. 

Brainstorming Topic Ideas

Ask yourself the following questions to help you 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 interested you?
• Do you have a personal issue, problem or interest that you would like to know more about?
• Is there an aspect of one of your classes that you would like to learn more about?

Finding Topic Ideas

Topic ideas.

Try the resources below to help you get ideas for possible research topics:

• CQ Researcher This link opens in a new window Coverage of the most important issues and controversies of the day, including pro-con analysis. Help Video
• Google News This site provides national and international news on a variety of subjects gathered from over 4,000 sources.
• Article & News Databases Use the Library's Articles and News databases to browse contents of current magazines and newspapers. If you do not know how to browse current issues ask a librarian for help.

Background Information

Read an 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. If you cant find an article on your topic, ask a librarian for help.

• Gale eBooks The Gale Virtual Reference Library contains several business focused encyclopedias such as The Encyclopedia of Management and The Encyclopedia of Emerging Industries which may provide background information on possible topics.
• Article & News Databases Use the Library's Articles and News databases to search for brief articles on your topic ideas.
• SAGE Knowledge Hundreds of encyclopedias and handbooks on key topics in the social and behavioral sciences. User Guide

• SAGE Research Methods

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2.3 Choosing a Research Topic

Many researchers assume that choosing a topic is a linear process; however, in reality, it is more complex, and the research idea may need to be refined before the topic is finally chosen. Watch the video below that explains the process of choosing a research topic.

Choosing a research idea video by Bunmi Malau-Aduli and Faith Alele, used under a CC BY NC ND 4.0 licence

Techniques for finding and choosing a research topic

There are two main approaches to finding and choosing a research topic– rational (logical) and creative (intuitive). 2,3 The creative approach requires techniques such as brainstorming, keeping a record of the ideas, using relevance trees and exploring personal preferences. 3,4 The rational approach, on the other hand, involves techniques such as reviewing the literature to identify knowledge gaps, discussing the ideas with subject experts, peers or stakeholders, using past project titles, scanning the media and identifying one’s strengths and interests. 3,4 It is also imperative to engage in critical reflection throughout the process to ensure that the topic is relevant. As a result of this process, the topic may not only be refined but may change substantially. It is important to note that diverse techniques can be used simultaneously or iteratively to decide on a research topic. 3 Figure 2.2 portrays the different techniques.

Attributes of a good research topic

As a researcher, it is important to ensure that your chosen research topic is of obvious value and benefit, financially viable and within your capabilities and interests. 5 As indicated in Table 2.1, ways of assessing your capability include deciding if the topic is achievable within the time frame, whether the project will be current at completion and whether you have access to the required data. 4 Furthermore, there is a need for the topic to be linked to theory, emphasising the role and importance of literature. 4 This implies that the topic should be set in the context of existing literature, i.e. reading and identifying research already undertaken on that topic to guide the decision-making process about the topic selection. Also, the literature aids the refinement of research ideas and prevents research that repeats what has already been done. 6 The proposed research should provide fresh insight into the topic, the aims and objectives should be clear, 7 and the findings should be of similar value irrespective of the outcome (symmetrical). 4 Finally, the research topic should match the researcher’s career goals. 4 While this may not be the case in all instances, it is important to give it considerable thought, especially for those undertaking a dissertation. A checklist of the attributes of a good research topic is listed in Table 2.1 and serves as a guide when choosing a topic.

Table 2.1 Attributes of a good research topic. Adapted from Saunders, et al. 2003 3

Refining the research topic/idea

Remember that a research idea can be generated using rational and/or creative techniques. However, at the onset, the developed idea may be too broad or too specific and may need to be refined. Refining a research idea involves the steps outlined in Figure 2.3. First, a research topic is picked, and the topic is tested by reading the literature. If the topic is too broad, it needs to be made more focused, and if it is too specific, it needs to be broadened. The literature search and discussion with subject experts could be useful in refining the topic. 2

A useful way of refining the research idea/topic is to use a concept map based on the findings from the literature or discussions to identify contextual factors or areas related to the topic. 3 Let us return to our previous example of obesity as your research topic which was depicted in the video. A concept map that utilised the 5Ws and H (who, what, where, when, why and how) questions is presented in Figure 2.4 to facilitate in-depth analysis and refinement of the research topic. It is important to note that concept maps can be complex as each theme can be branched into further subthemes.

The refined topic can be further tested by searching the literature to ensure that the idea is novel and has not been previously answered. The Delphi technique is an alternative technique that could also be used to refine the topic and generate possible research questions. 8 The Delphi technique entails selecting a more focused research idea via contributions from a group of people who are either working on or interested in the research topic. 8 The Delphi consists of four distinct phases. In the first phase, participants can provide whatever information they deem pertinent, which explores the topic under investigation. The second stage is ascertaining how the entire group perceives the topic/idea. 8 The third step is utilised to investigate any substantial disputes and identify the root causes of any identified differences. A final assessment of all the information acquired is done in the fourth step. 8

An Introduction to Research Methods for Undergraduate Health Profession Students Copyright © 2023 by Faith Alele and Bunmi Malau-Aduli is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License , except where otherwise noted.

Choose a Research Topic: Choose a Research Topic

This guide will help you understand how to develop your topic ideas into a manageable research topic.

Terms in this Guide

• Information Literacy:  The set of skills needed to find, retrieve, analyze, and use information.  
• Research Process:  It is a process of multiple deliberate steps in conducting the research work where each step is interlinked with other steps such as starting with a broad topic question to focus on an aspect of it to narrow the research focus to all the way to find and evaluate the reliability of that information.  The most important thing to realize is that this is not a linear process. 

Step 1: Choose a Broad Research Topic

Research is a long process. Try to choose a broad topic that is interesting to you and that fits the assignment parameters set by the professor.

Read through background information in an encyclopedia, dictionary, or database to learn about aspects of the topic that might interest you.

If you are unsure of what topic to start with, review the sources below for ideas.

Step 2: Narrow & Focus Your Topic

If you are getting too many search results, then it is time to limit your topic to a particular approach to the issue!

Consider writing about one of these aspects of your broad topic:

• Theme (a particular opinion, focus, or point of view)
• Timeframe (period, date)
• Place (city, state, region, country, continent)

Step 3. Write a Topic Statement

Now turn your narrow topic into a topic statement by writing it out as a short sentence. This is known as a thesis or topic statement. It expresses the subject and purpose of your paper.

Step 4. Evaluate your Topic Statement

Ask yourself the following questions to evaluate the quality of your topic statement:

• Is this statement interesting enough to spark my own thoughts and opinions?
• What type of information will I need to support the topic statement?
• Is the scope of this topic statement reasonable? Or does it need to be focused even further?
• What sources will have the type of information that I need to answer the research question?
• Can I access these sources? If yes, where can I get the material I need? (textbook, library book, online databases, personal interviews?)
• If yes, it's time to start your project!
• If not, you may need guidance. Talk to your professor, librarian, and/or a Writing, Reading & Language Center tutor if you are unsure.

Research Cycle

Watch this tutorial and practice using the activities / answering questions.

• MC Library's Begin Your Research Tutorial

Check these resources below to learn more about how to develop a manageable research topic and select appropriate source types.

• Identify Different Types of Information Sources by Niyati Pandya Last Updated Oct 9, 2023 582 views this year

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MC Library Research Skills Guides

• Last Updated: Oct 9, 2023 3:06 PM
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Research: Choosing & Refining Your Topic

• Getting Started
• Research Overview
• Choosing & Refining Your Topic
• Search Strategies
• Library Collections
• Citations & Bibliographies This link opens in a new window
• Research from Home

Choosing a Topic

Step 1: Topic Selection

Choosing your topic is one of the most important steps of your research assignment.

Explore your Research Ideas

First check the assignment requirements. Make sure you can meet those requirements with the topic you pick.

Then Ask yourself

Is my topic researchable?

What do I need to learn?

Other considerations: 

Do I know enough about my topic?

Where do I find information about my topic?

Write Down All of Your Ideas

Use one of these activities to help

Listing: List all the ideas for your research assignment. Good and Bad: write everything! Group similar words together, add ideas.

Freewriting: Write nonstop for 10 minutes. Review your writing and highlight useful information.

Clustering or Mind Map: Write a brief explanation or Ask a question. Circle main concepts. Draw three or more lines and add corresponding ideas.

Questioning: Write out: “Who? What? When? Where? Why? How?” then write your answers for each .

Topic Development

​ Step 2: Do Some Background Research

Remember this is a dynamic process so your research question and scope will adjust to the information you begin to gather.

Find & learn :

• a definition
• a statistic
• other general information on your topic

​T his is only a starting point.   You will follow-up by verifying with other credible sources and experts.

Gather information to inform your topic :

• talk to specialist, like your instructor or  TA
• explore   Subject  Guides
• do  some beginning research

  Try these databases:

North Carolina Sate University Libraries created a video to explain the importance of finding background information for your topic.

Topic Narrowing

​ Step 3: Consider the Scope of Your Topic

You want a research topic that is not too broad or too narrow, but just right. 

It may take many attempts, updates and changes. That’s part of the research process.

Finding too much information?  Your topic may be too broad and you may need to make it more specific.  Consider limiting using one or more of the following aspects:

• time period

Too Narrow?

Can't find enough information?   If you find that you can't find enough evidence for your topic, you might want to broaden it by considering:

• expanding the time period
• increasing locations
• exploring related issues
• considering historical contexts

Need clarification? Got questions? Ask Us! via chat or text.

Or make an appointment for a one-on-one research consultation .

Research Process

Get more tips about the research process in this short video created by UNLV Libraries.

Research Process Tips from UNLV Libraries on Vimeo .

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• Last Updated: Mar 19, 2024 2:28 PM
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• Choosing a Research Topic

Remember, doing research is a process.  It is normal and common  if you need to backtrack or rework your research topic a few times to get it right. If you need help coming up with a research topic, be sure to Ask a Librarian !

In this guide, you will learn about what makes a good research topic . Then you will learn how to start brainstorming by using a concept map . Next, we will go over how to do background research on a topic , and end with narrowing your topic into a thesis statement.

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• Next: What Makes a Good Research Topic? >>
• What Makes a Good Research Topic?
• 1. Concept Mapping
• 2. Background Research
• 3. Narrow Your Topic / Thesis Statements

Questions? Ask a Librarian

• Last Updated: May 8, 2024 9:31 AM
• URL: https://libguides.sccsc.edu/chooseatopic

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How to Choose a Topic: Overview

• Finding research topic ideas
• Focusing a broad topic

Struggling to figure out what to write on? Ask your instructor! Talk your topic over with them and figure out if you should broaden or narrow your focus, and if you have answered enough of the "Ws" to formulate a research question or thesis. 

Need help with your research? Ask A Librarian !

A UGL Quick Guide: How to Choose a Topic

Starting points.

When choosing a topic to research, there are a few key aspects to keep in mind:

• Pick a topic you are interested in. If you aren't interested in it, you probably won't get very far in the research process.
• Pick a topic that is of interest within your class. What is a recurring theme or topic in your class? How has a reading been fundamental for your thinking? Try to connect with something that you think you can either go deeper into, or take further.

Broad vs. Narrow

• It can be tempting to pick a topic that is broad and seems easy to research. Keep in mind that sometimes these broad topics come with hidden pitfalls, and can be difficult to research due to the amount of information about them.
• If you narrow down your topic too far, you may have a problem finding sources during your research. Try to make sure that your topic is broad enough to do research on.
• To strike a happy medium between broad and narrow, try picking a specific angle, section, or aspect of a broad topic, or looking at how a narrow topic is influenced by other factors, or how it influences other factors in your field.
• Start early by talking with friends, professors and T.A.'s, and librarians. Speaking with others can help clarify your questions, and provide direction.

The "W" Questions

• Who   Who are you talking about? Why should the reader know about them? Also, who is publishing the articles you are looking at? Who is doing the research on your topic?
• Where   Where is your topic being researched? Where is your topic relevant? Where are people talking about your topic? Are there specific places where your topic takes place or influences?
• When   When is your assignment due? When did the majority of research on your topic get published (especially important in the sciences)? Are you in a position to compare historical and contemporary information?
• Why   Why is your topic being researched? Is it an important, urgent issue? Why do you like your topic? Why do you want to do research on it? What about it is interesting to you?
• How   How are you going to do your research? How will you phrase your thesis or research question? How will you focus your topic?

Subject Guide

• Next: Finding research topic ideas >>
• Last Updated: Jul 29, 2022 8:05 AM
• URL: https://guides.library.illinois.edu/choosetopic

• Fontbonne University

Research Help

Choosing a topic.

• Library Research

Getting Started

• Developing a Thesis
• Finding Sources
• Interlibrary Loan This link opens in a new window
• Writing and Re-Writing
• Evaluating Sources
• Citing Sources This link opens in a new window
• Data & Statistics
• Using Images
• Additional Resources
• ESL Resources
• College 101
• Primary Sources
• Library Tutorials
• Graduate Studies

Choosing a topic is the first and maybe the most important step of the research and writing process! This step will determine the rest of your steps -- what your thesis statement is, what sources you use, and how to write your paper. So it's important to make sure you choose a strong and engaging topic.

Strategies for finding a topic:

• Look over the index and the article titles in a subject-specific encyclopedia that covers a relevant subject area or discipline. Check out our print collection available in the Information Commons. (Additional sources can be found by searching the catalog for titles in the general collection.)
• Spend some time looking at major journals in your field (look for the white binder in the reading room for a list of current periodicals by subject).
• Browse your subject area in one of our digital reference sources .
• Discuss topic ideas with your instructor or favorite reference librarian!

Good questions to ask yourself when choosing a topic are:

• Is this a topic that interests me?
• Is this a topic that is creative and has not been overdone?
• Is this a topic that is not too broad or too narrow to meet the assignment requirements?

When you pick your topic, it's not set in stone. Picking and adjusting your topic is an integral part of the research process!

How to Develop a Good Research Topic

Need Help Choosing a Topic?

Sometimes it can be difficult to think up a great research topic. Have no fear -- Taylor Library is here to help! Check out these database and websites to get some ideas.

Once you have a topic in mind:

• Consider first the broad subjects that deal with your topic.
• Narrow this down, keeping your topic in mind.
• Focus closer: limit your topic to specifics, such as geography, time, and culture.
• Write down topic phrases; this helps you come up with key words and questions that will help you in your research.
• << Previous: The Research Process
• Next: Getting Started >>
• Last Updated: Feb 29, 2024 4:48 PM
• URL: https://library.fontbonne.edu/research

• Master Your Homework
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What to Consider When Choosing a Research Paper Topic

The selection of a research paper topic is an essential and potentially overwhelming process for many students. It is critical that one approaches this task with careful consideration, taking into account various factors to ensure the choice of an appropriate, effective and relevant topic. This article aims to provide guidelines on what should be taken into account when selecting a research paper topic by reviewing key principles associated with choosing such topics as well as potential sources where one can find inspiration for ideas.

I. Introduction to Research Paper Topics

Ii. establishing relevant criteria for choosing a topic, iii. analyzing possible sources of information, iv. examining the quality and availability of data or statistics, v. understanding constraints related to time and resources, vi. exploring intriguing sub-topics in depth, vii. conclusion: making an informed decision on your topic.

The research paper topics available are as varied and expansive as the fields of knowledge they inhabit. From ancient history to modern art, there is no shortage of subject matter for a student to explore. Yet before embarking on any exploration, it helps to have an idea of what makes up a successful research paper.

• A good research paper should focus on one central topic . It may touch upon related issues along the way, but its primary purpose is always clear: To discuss in-depth a single concept or issue.

As research paper writing can often be a complex process, establishing criteria for choosing an appropriate topic is essential to success. One of the most important points to consider when selecting a topic is that it should align with the requirements set forth by your instructor. Making sure you understand what type of content and structure are expected will help ensure you meet all expectations.

It’s also wise to pick something interesting which resonates with your own interests; this way, researching and writing on it won’t feel like such a chore! A good research paper should address current issues or debates in its field while providing evidence-based arguments that support particular perspectives. It must analyze available information objectively while being creative enough to bring new insight into an existing subject area.

Upon deciding on a research paper topic, it is paramount to analyze possible sources of information in order to construct an effective and reliable argument. To begin, understanding what type of information is necessary for the given topic allows the researcher to properly categorize their search accordingly. Depending on the field or discipline being discussed within your work, sources such as journals, books and articles will provide reputable academic insight.

Moreover, utilizing online resources through databases like JSTOR can prove useful in providing students with plenty of scholarly material that contains primary evidence relating directly to the thesis statement outlined within your project. It’s also important not forget about non-traditional yet valuable forms of data which include personal interviews & surveys – these may be just as beneficial when discussing topics related to culture or society. All-in-all, researching appropriate content helps create a solid foundation upon which ideas are formed into comprehensive arguments regarding whatever issue you’re exploring through your paper.

The Importance of Data and Statistics in Research

• Data is an essential tool for the development of any research paper.
• High-quality data should be well documented and up to date.

Time and Resource Limitations

Making the most of limited time and resources is a crucial aspect for any research paper. To do this, it’s important to have an understanding of how much time can be realistically dedicated to your project in order to ensure that it meets its goals within the allotted timeframe. Time constraints should not only cover when you need the final paper completed by but also take into account factors such as:

• The amount of preparation before beginning writing.
• How often one can dedicate themselves to researching, gathering evidence, analyzing data etc.

                                                                                                                                                                                  When dealing with resource limitations, some key considerations are:   

Given the vastness of a chosen topic, it is always best to hone in on interesting sub-topics and explore them thoroughly. Here we dive into the different elements that make up this research paper’s overarching concept.

• Focus: The crux of this section lies with narrowing down our main area of focus. By exploring smaller components within our greater theme, we can find areas for further exploration which will ultimately lead us to draw more concrete conclusions regarding our overall idea.

Considering All Aspects When researching any topic, it is important to consider all aspects before making an informed decision. From the angle of historical context, to ethical considerations and current trends; every element needs to be carefully weighed against each other in order for one’s research paper conclusion to have value. By surveying a wide range of reliable sources from books, scholarly articles, interviews with experts or even taking primary data samples – researchers can gain an understanding as far-reaching as their investigation efforts go.

One should also keep their objectives and goals in mind when conducting this analysis: what are they attempting to uncover? What did they set out looking for? Having these answers will provide direction and shape the results into a solid piece that makes sense overall – no matter if you make a recommendation at the end or not! Ultimately this process enables us come up with research papers which are thought-provoking and invaluable contributions that could potentially help spark meaningful conversations about topics we care about.

• Keep your objectives & goals clear.
• Explore varied & reliable sources.