topic selection for research paper

Purdue Online Writing Lab College of Liberal Arts

Choosing a Topic

Welcome to the Purdue OWL

This page is brought to you by the OWL at Purdue University. When printing this page, you must include the entire legal notice.

Copyright ©1995-2018 by The Writing Lab & The OWL at Purdue and Purdue University. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, reproduced, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed without permission. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our terms and conditions of fair use.

The first step of any research paper is for the student to understand the assignment. If this is not done, the student will often travel down many dead-end roads, wasting a great deal of time along the way. Do not hesitate to approach the instructor with questions if there is any confusion. A clear understanding of the assignment will allow you to focus on other aspects of the process, such as choosing a topic and identifying your audience.

A student will often encounter one of two situations when it comes to choosing a topic for a research paper. The first situation occurs when the instructor provides a list of topics from which the student may choose. These topics have been deemed worthy by the instructor; therefore, the student should be confident in the topic he chooses from the list. Many first-time researchers appreciate such an arrangement by the instructor because it eliminates the stress of having to decide upon a topic on their own.

However, the student may also find the topics that have been provided to be limiting; moreover, it is not uncommon for the student to have a topic in mind that does not fit with any of those provided. If this is the case, it is always beneficial to approach the instructor with one's ideas. Be respectful, and ask the instructor if the topic you have in mind would be a possible research option for the assignment. Remember, as a first-time researcher, your knowledge of the process is quite limited; the instructor is experienced, and may have very precise reasons for choosing the topics she has offered to the class. Trust that she has the best interests of the class in mind. If she likes the topic, great! If not, do not take it personally and choose the topic from the list that seems most interesting to you.

The second situation occurs when the instructor simply hands out an assignment sheet that covers the logistics of the research paper, but leaves the choice of topic up to the student. Typically, assignments in which students are given the opportunity to choose the topic require the topic to be relevant to some aspect of the course; so, keep this in mind as you begin a course in which you know there will be a research paper near the end. That way, you can be on the lookout for a topic that may interest you. Do not be anxious on account of a perceived lack of authority or knowledge about the topic chosen. Instead, realize that it takes practice to become an experienced researcher in any field.

For a discussion of Evaluating Sources, see Evaluating Sources of Information .

Methods for choosing a topic

Thinking early leads to starting early. If the student begins thinking about possible topics when the assignment is given, she has already begun the arduous, yet rewarding, task of planning and organization. Once she has made the assignment a priority in her mind, she may begin to have ideas throughout the day. Brainstorming is often a successful way for students to get some of these ideas down on paper. Seeing one's ideas in writing is often an impetus for the writing process. Though brainstorming is particularly effective when a topic has been chosen, it can also benefit the student who is unable to narrow a topic. It consists of a timed writing session during which the student jots down—often in list or bulleted form—any ideas that come to his mind. At the end of the timed period, the student will peruse his list for patterns of consistency. If it appears that something seems to be standing out in his mind more than others, it may be wise to pursue this as a topic possibility.

It is important for the student to keep in mind that an initial topic that you come up with may not be the exact topic about which you end up writing. Research topics are often fluid, and dictated more by the student's ongoing research than by the original chosen topic. Such fluidity is common in research, and should be embraced as one of its many characteristics.

The Purdue OWL also offers a number of other resources on choosing and developing a topic:

• Understanding Writing Assignments
• Starting the Writing Process
• Invention Slide Presentation

Selecting a Research Topic: Overview

• Refine your topic
• Background information & facts
• Writing help

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?

Table of contents

• Broaden your topic
• Information Navigator home
• Sources for facts - general
• Sources for facts - specific subjects

Start here for help

Ask Us Ask a question, make an appointment, give feedback, or visit us.

• Next: Refine your topic >>
• Last Updated: Jul 30, 2021 2:50 PM
• URL: https://libguides.mit.edu/select-topic

Research topic selection guide: Key steps, tools and tips

30 October 2024

Magda Wojcik

A research topic is a specific subject or area of interest that a researcher aims to investigate, analyse or explore through study. It helps formulate research questions, hypotheses and objectives, guides the research process and defines the scope of inquiry. An effective research topic is clear, focused and aligned with the researcher’s field, resources and expertise, allowing for a structured investigation into specific issues or phenomena.

A research topic is needed for academic texts that involve in-depth analysis, investigation or argument:

• research papers and articles
• dissertations and theses
• literature reviews
• case studies
• research proposals

This blog post provides a comprehensive roadmap for selecting a research topic, guiding readers from initial idea generation to finalising a focused question. Readers will gain insights into refining their ideas, evaluating topics for feasibility and significance and avoiding common mistakes. Moreover, the post covers ethical considerations and suggests practical tools for each stage of the process. Finally, this guide equips readers with strategies to ensure their research topic is relevant, achievable and capable of contributing meaningful knowledge to their academic field.

• Guide for developing a research topic

Developing a research topic: Step-by-step example

What makes a strong research topic, common mistakes when choosing a research topic, ethical considerations in research topic selection, tools and resources for choosing a research topic, using professional editing services for academic writing, step-by-step guide to developing a research topic, #1 identify areas of personal and academic interest.

Start by brainstorming general themes within the field that excite or intrigue you. Reflect on past courses, projects or readings that caught your attention, as personal interest in a topic will help sustain motivation over time. Additionally, consider how the topic aligns with your academic and career goals; a topic that furthers your professional expertise or is relevant to future job roles can make the research more meaningful and productive.

#2 Conduct a preliminary literature review

Begin exploring books, journal articles, reviews and academic databases for current research on your initial ideas. This process helps you understand what has already been studied, what the emerging trends are and how the topic fits into broader discussions within your field. A literature review will also reveal which methodologies are common and which findings are widely accepted or debated.

#3 Focus on gaps, limitations and emerging trends

While reviewing the literature, you should look for areas that have yet to be thoroughly investigated. Next, note any limitations of existing studies, unresolved questions or overlooked issues. Moreover, you should consider emerging trends or technologies that may impact the field and identify potential research areas within them. Ultimately, exploring these gaps helps position the research as a contribution to the field either by addressing an area that has been neglected or by challenging established findings with new insights.

#4 Narrow down to a specific question or problem

Based on the insights gained, start defining a specific question or problem to guide the research. A focused research question provides a clear purpose and helps establish the study’s direction. When narrowing the topic, aim for specificity — focusing on a precise aspect of the broader theme will help make the research manageable. Use frameworks like the PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) method if applicable, or frame the topic in a question format to sharpen the focus, e.g. ‘How does social media usage impact anxiety among university students?’

#5 Evaluate feasibility and resources

Consider practical factors like time, data availability, access to research subjects and methodological requirements. Make sure you have the necessary resources, including relevant literature, data sources and, if needed, permissions to conduct the study. Ask yourself whether the topic is feasible within your academic programme’s scope and timeframe. Adjustments may be needed to ensure the study is achievable. For instance, narrowing down the population you plan to research or choosing a simpler methodology may improve feasibility.

#6 Assess the topic’s relevance and significance

Evaluate the topic’s relevance to your field and its potential impact. A strong research topic often addresses a pressing issue, contributes to a current debate or provides practical solutions to real-world problems. Think about how your findings could advance knowledge, influence policy or practice or aid future researchers. This can also include social relevance — how this research might benefit specific communities, solve challenges or foster awareness. A topic with both academic and societal relevance is likely to have a stronger impact.

#7 Seek feedback and refine

Present the topic to mentors, peers or advisers to gather diverse perspectives. Feedback is helpful because it can reveal potential weaknesses, overlooked aspects or alternative approaches you had not considered. Feedback may also include suggestions for additional resources, related studies or ways to improve the focus of the research question.

#8 Formulate a working title and research question

A focused topic allows the creation of a concise working title that summarises the research and develops a specific research question or hypothesis . A clear title and question will help you define methodology , study objectives and scope. For example, if the topic is on social media’s effects on mental health among university students, a working title could be: ‘Exploring the impact of social media on anxiety and connectedness among first-year university students.’ Your research question could then be: ‘How does social media usage influence anxiety and social connectedness among first-year university students?’

#9 Reflect and make a final decision

Review your topic to ensure it aligns with your interests, goals and resources. Confirm that it is focused, researchable and relevant to current issues in the field. At this stage, you should feel confident in committing to the topic, knowing that it is both meaningful and feasible.

Identify areas of personal and academic interest

Suppose you are interested in psychology and digital media, specifically how social media impacts well-being. You start with broad themes like ‘technology and mental health’ and narrow it to ‘social media impacts on university students.’

Conduct a preliminary literature review

Reviewing recent studies, you find many articles on social media’s effects on anxiety, self-esteem and loneliness. You notice that while teenage mental health is often researched, studies on university students are less common. This suggests a potential area for deeper exploration.

Focus on gaps, limitations and emerging trends

You identify that most studies focus on negative impacts and seldom consider positive aspects like social support through social media. There is also a gap in research specifically targeting university students. These gaps inspire you to explore both positive and negative effects on this demographic.

Narrow down to a specific question or problem

You refine the topic to ‘What are the effects of social media on anxiety and social connectedness among university students?’ This question narrows the focus to two aspects of mental health (anxiety and connectedness) within a specific population (university students).

Evaluate feasibility and resources

You assess the availability of resources, such as access to students willing to participate in surveys. If the timeframe is limited, you could narrow the question further, perhaps focusing on a specific social media platform like Instagram to keep the research manageable.

Assess the topic’s relevance and significance

Recognising the growing concern for mental health among students, you confirm the topic’s relevance. Insights from your research could help universities better support students’ mental health, especially regarding social media use.

Seek feedback and refine

Presenting the topic to an adviser, they suggest focusing on first-year students, who may face unique challenges adapting to university life. This feedback further refines your topic to ‘How does social media use impact anxiety and social connectedness among first-year university students?’

Formulate a working title and research question

You create a working title: ‘The impact of social media on anxiety and social connectedness among first-year university students’ and a research question: ‘How does social media usage influence levels of anxiety and social connectedness among first-year university students?’

Reflect and make a final decision

If you are confident in the topic’s alignment with your interests, goals and resources, commit to studying the impact of social media on mental health in first-year students, knowing it is focused, researchable and significant.

A strong research topic possesses several essential qualities that make it compelling, manageable and valuable to the field. Here are the key characteristics of a robust research topic:

Clarity and focus

A strong research topic is clear and specific and avoids vague or overly broad terms. Meeting these criteria ensures that the scope of the research is well-defined and helps prevent unnecessary complexity or ambiguity. A focused topic allows for in-depth investigation within a manageable framework.

Relevance and significance

The topic should address an important issue or contribute to ongoing discussions in the field. It should hold value for the academic community, policy-makers, practitioners or society at large. Relevant topics often address real-world problems or advance knowledge in a way that has practical or theoretical implications .

Originality and contribution

A strong topic should offer something new, either by filling a gap in existing literature, challenging established findings, or approaching an issue from a novel perspective. Originality does not always mean discovering something entirely new; it could mean applying existing knowledge to a new context or integrating multiple fields in an innovative way.

Feasibility

The topic should be achievable within the researcher’s available resources, time and skills. Feasibility involves considering access to data, funding, ethical permissions and technical expertise. A well-chosen topic is one that can be thoroughly investigated within the constraints of the research project.

Alignment with researcher’s interests and expertise

A topic aligned with the researcher’s interests and expertise is more likely to sustain their motivation and lead to a deeper, more insightful investigation. Familiarity with the subject can also allow the researcher to handle challenges more effectively and add credibility to their work.

Researchability

A strong topic should be researchable, meaning it can be explored through accessible methods, data sources and evidence. It should lend itself to a systematic investigation, allowing the researcher to draw meaningful conclusions based on observable data or established theoretical frameworks.

Ethical soundness

A strong research topic should meet ethical standards for topics involving human or animal subjects. This includes considerations like respecting participants’ rights, obtaining informed consent and minimising any potential harm. Ethical soundness ensures the research maintains integrity and credibility.

Flexibility to adapt

A good topic can be adapted or refined as the research progresses. Strong topics allow for adjustments based on preliminary findings or challenges, keeping the study relevant without straying too far from the core focus.

A strong research topic is characterised by several core qualities that make it engaging, practical and impactful:

Clarity and specificity

A strong topic is precisely defined and avoids vague terms and to make the research focus clear and easy to understand. In addition, specificity helps ensure that the study remains manageable and focused and enables a thorough investigation.

Relevance and importance

The topic should address an issue of significance to the field or have practical applications. Moreover, it should offer insights that can advance knowledge, inform policy or solve real-world problems. Relevance ensures the topic resonates with the academic community or has broader societal implications.

A strong topic brings something new to the field, either by filling a research gap, challenging existing perspectives or applying known theories to a new context. Originality does not always mean an entirely novel idea; it can be a fresh approach or perspective that adds value to current knowledge.

The topic should be achievable within the researcher’s resources, timeframe and expertise and should be in line with factors such as access to data, financial resources, ethical approval and research tools available to the researcher. A feasible topic is well-suited to the project’s constraints and can be effectively investigated without stretching resources.

Alignment with researcher’s interest and expertise

A topic that aligns with the researcher’s passions and skills can help them stay motivated and can lead to a deeper exploration. An engaged researcher is more likely to stay focused, overcome challenges and produce insightful results.

The topic should lend itself to systematic exploration, allowing the researcher to use appropriate methods to gather data and analyse results. Researchability ensures the topic can be approached with clear questions, hypotheses and methods, enabling meaningful conclusions.

Ethical suitability

For studies involving human or animal subjects, the topic should meet ethical guidelines to protect participants’ rights and well-being. Ethical suitability helps ensure the research maintains integrity and credibility and adheres to standards required by academic institutions or governing bodies.

Flexibility

A strong topic can be adjusted if preliminary findings or unforeseen challenges arise. This flexibility allows for minor adjustments without straying from the main research objective and keeps the study relevant and focused.

Common mistakes in choosing a research topic can lead to a challenging research process or limit the study’s effectiveness. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

Choosing a topic that is too broad

Broad topics lack focus, making it difficult to cover all aspects thoroughly. This can lead to an overwhelming amount of information and a lack of depth in analysis. For instance, ‘Climate change’ is too vast; narrowing it to ‘The impact of climate change on coastal cities in the UK’ provides a more manageable focus.

Selecting a topic that is too narrow

Conversely, topics that are overly specific may limit the availability of resources and data, making it hard to build a substantial argument or find enough supporting evidence. For example, ‘Social media’s effect on anxiety among left-handed teenagers in one high school’ may be too restrictive.

Lacking personal interest or motivation

Picking a topic solely for its perceived importance or because it is trending can make the research process tedious if it does not genuinely interest you. A lack of enthusiasm can reduce engagement and lead to a lower-quality project.

Neglecting existing literature or ignoring gaps

Failing to review existing research can result in choosing a topic that has already been extensively covered, offering little new insight. It is essential to identify gaps in the literature to ensure the research contributes original findings.

Overlooking feasibility and practical constraints

Topics requiring complex methods, inaccessible populations or excessive resources can be impractical, especially for limited timelines or budgets. Consider constraints like time, funding and access to data before committing.

Choosing a topic that lacks researchability

Topics based on subjective opinions or moral judgements (e.g. ‘Is capitalism good?’) can be hard to investigate systematically. A researchable topic should be structured around specific, objective questions that can be studied with established research methods.

Ignoring ethical considerations

Choosing topics that may pose ethical challenges, such as sensitive issues involving vulnerable populations, can lead to problems with institutional approvals or participant recruitment. Address ethical implications early on to avoid conflicts later.

Failing to define a clear research question

Starting with a vague idea rather than a well-defined question can lead to an unfocused study and make it difficult to set boundaries. A strong research question narrows the topic and guides the research objectives.

Underestimating topic complexity

Topics that are overly complex or interdisciplinary can be challenging to manage without adequate background knowledge. To avoid this mistake, make sure you have a solid understanding of the field or are prepared to dedicate time to learning it.

Choosing a topic based on assumptions or biases

Selecting a topic with preconceived assumptions or biased viewpoints can compromise objectivity and limit the credibility of the study. Instead, a strong topic should allow for impartial inquiry and avoid leading towards a predetermined conclusion.

Ethical considerations in selecting a research topic are crucial to ensure that the research is conducted responsibly and respects the rights, dignity and welfare of those involved or affected. Here are some key ethical factors to keep in mind:

Respect for participant autonomy and consent

Choose topics that allow participants to make informed decisions about their involvement. Avoid topics that could pressure individuals into participating or restrict their right to withdraw from the study. Ensure that the topic allows for transparent and clear consent processes.

Avoiding harm or distress

Avoid topics that may lead to physical, emotional or psychological harm to participants. For example, sensitive topics like trauma, abuse or mental health issues should be approached carefully to avoid re-traumatisation or distress. Consider the potential impacts on participants and whether the topic can be ethically studied without causing harm.

Privacy and confidentiality

Select topics that can be studied while respecting participants’ privacy. Avoid topics that require invasive data or compromise anonymity, especially if dealing with sensitive personal information. Ensure the topic allows for secure data handling practices that protect participants’ identities.

Fair representation and inclusion

Ensure that the chosen topic does not unfairly exclude or exploit specific groups. Avoid topics that might reinforce stereotypes or target vulnerable populations without a justified and ethical reason. Instead, research topics should be inclusive and, where relevant, represent diverse perspectives or demographics.

Avoiding conflicts of interest

Be cautious of topics that may present a conflict of interest, such as those related to the researcher’s personal or financial interests. A conflict of interest can bias results or create ethical dilemmas and ultimately affect the research’s credibility. Therefore, choose a topic that allow you to remain objective and impartial.

Social and cultural sensitivity

Consider whether the topic respects the social, cultural and religious contexts of participants. Avoid topics that might offend or marginalise certain groups or disregard cultural beliefs. Cultural sensitivity is crucial for ethically respectful research.

Transparency and honesty

Select a topic that allows you to conduct research openly and transparently, with full disclosure of methods, intentions and potential conflicts. Topics requiring secrecy or deception should be approached carefully, with ethical approval from relevant bodies and clear justification for any necessary deception.

Beneficence and societal value

Aim for a topic that offers positive contributions to society or the academic field. Research should ideally provide benefits, such as new insights, solutions to problems or support for underserved communities, balancing potential risks with tangible benefits.

Avoiding exploitation of vulnerable populations

Refrain from choosing topics that could exploit vulnerable populations (e.g. children, refugees, individuals with disabilities) unless there is a strong, ethical justification and safeguards in place. Vulnerable groups should only be studied if the research is likely to benefit them and ethical protections can be ensured.

Alignment with ethical guidelines and standards

Ensure that the topic complies with institutional, national and field-specific ethical standards. Choose a topic that allows you to adhere to these ethical guidelines, which govern data protection, participant welfare and integrity in research.

Here is a list of tools and resources for choosing a research topic:

Academic databases and journals

These resources provide access to scholarly articles, helping you identify current trends, literature gaps and influential research.

• IEEE Xplore
• Google Scholar
• ERIC (Education Resources Information Center)
• SAGE Journals
• SpringerLink
• Oxford Academic

Library research guides and reference materials

University library guides and online repositories offer topic-specific recommendations and curated research resources.

• University LibGuides: Many universities provide LibGuides, which include discipline-specific research guides, topic ideas, and suggested databases.
• Specialised repositories: Europe PubMed Central , Education Resources Information Center , British Library ’s research repository

Funding agencies and research councils

Funding bodies publish research priorities, highlighting socially and scientifically significant topics that are likely to receive funding. These agencies’ websites and reports outline areas of interest and funding priorities, which can inspire impactful research topics.

• National Institutes of Health
• National Science Foundation
• UK Research and Innovation
• Economic and Social Research Council
• Horizon Europe
• European Research Council

Ethics guidelines and institutional review resources

Ethical guidelines help ensure that chosen topics meet ethical standards, particularly for studies involving human subjects or sensitive topics.

• World Health Organization ethics resources
• Office for Human Research Protections
• British Psychological Society ethics guidelines

Research question development frameworks

Frameworks help to structure and refine broad topics into specific, researchable questions, aiding in scope and clarity.

• PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) is often used in health and clinical research.
• SPICE (Setting, Perspective, Intervention, Comparison, Evaluation) is useful for social sciences.
• FINER (Feasibility, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, Relevant) is a checklist for assessing research questions across fields.

Brainstorming tools

Brainstorming tools, such as MindMeister , Lucidchart or Coggle , can spark new topic ideas, show related trends, or help visually organise themes and concepts.

Topic repositories and call-for-papers platforms

These resources list current research topics, ideas and academic calls for papers that align with active discussions and needs in the field.

• Open Science Framework (OSF) and MDPI ’s special issues provide calls for papers and special issue topics, which can spark ideas for timely research.
• arXiv (for preprints in physics, mathematics and computer science) is useful for identifying trending topics in science and technology.

When developing an academic text with a strong research topic, professional editing services can be invaluable in refining and elevating your work. Here is how different levels of editing can support each stage of your writing process:

Developmental editing

During the early stages, developmental editing offers comprehensive feedback on the structure, clarity and focus of your research topic and overall argument. This service helps ensure that your topic is well-defined and aligned with academic standards and that each section of your paper builds coherently on the research question.

Line editing

As you start drafting, line editing can refine your style, flow and tone, enhancing the readability and impact of your writing. Line editing addresses sentence structure, word choice and transitions to ensure that your arguments are clearly and effectively communicated, making your text compelling for an academic audience.

Copyediting

Copyediting helps polish grammar, punctuation and style. This level of editing focuses on technical accuracy and consistency, ensuring that your paper adheres to academic style guidelines and is free from distracting errors.

Proofreading

As a final step, proofreading provides a meticulous review for typographical errors, formatting issues and minor inconsistencies, giving your work a professional finish. This service ensures that your paper meets the highest standards of accuracy and presentation.

Key takeaways

Choosing a research topic is a foundational step that influences the quality, focus and potential impact of academic work. Understanding feasibility, ethical standards and relevance helps researchers develop topics that are both manageable and meaningful. Additionally, using tools like academic databases, research frameworks and brainstorming resources can streamline the process and ensure the chosen topic aligns with existing literature and emerging trends. By following these steps and avoiding common mistakes, researchers can confidently select topics that support their goals and contribute valuable insights to their field.

Contact me if you are an academic author looking for editing or indexing services. I am an  experienced editor offering a  free sample edit  and an  early bird discount .

I'm a freelance editor and indexer with a PhD in literary history. I work with non-fiction, academic and business texts.

Memberships

Incorporated in England and Wales. Company number: 10809565. Registered office: 124 City Road, London, England, EC1V 2NX

© MWEditing 2023

🚀 Work With Us

Private Coaching

Language Editing

Qualitative Coding

✨ Free Resources

Templates & Tools

Short Courses

Articles & Videos

How To Choose A Research Topic

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

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 .

Need a helping hand?

You Might Also Like:

How To Choose A Tutor For Your Dissertation

Hiring the right tutor for your dissertation or thesis can make the difference between passing and failing. Here’s what you need to consider.

5 Signs You Need A Dissertation Helper

Discover the 5 signs that suggest you need a dissertation helper to get unstuck, finish your degree and get your life back.

Writing A Dissertation While Working: A How-To Guide

Struggling to balance your dissertation with a full-time job and family? Learn practical strategies to achieve success.

How To Review & Understand Academic Literature Quickly

Learn how to fast-track your literature review by reading with intention and clarity. Dr E and Amy Murdock explain how.

Dissertation Writing Services: Far Worse Than You Think

Thinking about using a dissertation or thesis writing service? You might want to reconsider that move. Here’s what you need to know.

📄 FREE TEMPLATES

Research Topic Ideation

Proposal Writing

Literature Review

Methodology & Analysis

Academic Writing

Referencing & Citing

Apps, Tools & Tricks

The Grad Coach Podcast

i need guidance on the choise of research topic.

I need guidance on my research topic . Assessing the impacts of Tradition birth attendants in Safe motherhood

I need help on research proposal

Hello I need help on choice of research topic in field of finance

Submit a Comment Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Submit Comment

• Print Friendly

• Customer Reviews
• Extended Essays
• IB Internal Assessment
• Theory of Knowledge
• Literature Review
• Dissertations
• Essay Writing
• Research Writing
• Capstone Projects
• College Application
• Online Class

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

0  Comments

by  Antony W

June 6, 2024

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.

Research Process (Non-Law): 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.

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.

Other brainstorming guides

Mind Mapping

Mind mapping is an effective means to take notes and brainstorm essay topics. a mind map involves writing down a central theme and thinking of new and related., creative concepts, concept mapping is a way of making notes by creating a visual diagram of the concepts and information. it helps you to create multiple “pathways” in your mind to connect the information and better retain it for future use., concept mapping, this worksheet will walk you through a process for concept-mapping., finding topic ideas, topic ideas.

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

• 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 This link opens in a new window 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 This link opens in a new window Hundreds of encyclopedias and handbooks on key topics in the social and behavioral sciences. User Guide

• SAGE Research Methods This link opens in a new window

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.

• Next: Refining Your Topic >>
• Last Updated: Nov 8, 2024 12:34 PM
• URL: https://ggu.libguides.com/research

Selecting a Research Topic

• Narrowing Your Research Topic

Topic Selection Strategies

Questions to consider, ideation (brainstorming) & clustering, free writing, library databases, web resources.

• EBSCO's Research Starters
• Defining Scope

In many cases, writers have a general idea of what they might want to research for a project.  However, it is normal to not know where to begin searching for a research topic.  There are several ways you can arrive at a topic, and you can use any combination of these helpful strategies (Leggett and Jackowski, 2012).

• Pre-writing techniques such as ideation (brainstorming) , free writing , and clustering  (which can be a part of brainstorming) stimulate the flow of ideas.
• Find background information by conducting web and/or database searches.  Options include search engines like Google , DragonQuest , or databases in our A-Z list.   We also have a guide on locating background information, which is included below.  Background information is crucial to locating topics that will not only peak your interest, but also fulfill your assignment requirements.   EBSCO's Research Starters can help you with this process by providing general information on different topics.
• Ask peers or classmates for suggestions.  You can also approach your instructor for assistance in locating a topic.
• Finding Background Information by Pfeiffer Library Last Updated Jul 10, 2024 106 views this year

While pre-writing techniques can help you identify a general topic for your research, there are still some key questions to ask yourself while formulating your topic or engaging in pre-writing techniques (Leggett and Jackowski, 2012):

• What subjects interest you?  What topics interest you in the field?
• Do you have a strong opinion about a particular topic or issue?
• Was their an experience you had that triggered your particular interest in a topic?
• Is there a problem within a specific field that you would like to solve, but need data to do so?
• What has already been done or said about the topic you are considering?
• If someone has already written about your topic, can you spin it a different way or change the perspective to make it unique (Sloan, 2005)?

These questions will review your ideas for their potential as a research topic.  From here, you may need to broaden or narrow down the topic (scope).

What is Brainstorming?

Brainstorming , or ideation , is the process of generating ideas about a topic.

The following image represents one example of the many options or generating ideas. Webbing/clustering can lead to large graphs, sometimes spanning several pages.*

In this case, the main topic is "key influences," and it is listed in the center of the web. The student divided what they believe to be their key influences into four categories- work life, friends, family, and media. From there, the student thought of different elements in each category. 

*Librarian tip: Post-it notes on a flat surface (wall, table, poster board) can help you brainstorm and rearrange ideas easily without the need for an eraser!

Brainstorming is part of the planning phase of the writing process. To read more about the elements of the writing process, we recommend the following resource:

• Dziak, M. (2018). Writing process (planning, drafting, revising, editing, publishing). Salem Press Encyclopedia. The writing process is the series of actions taken by writers to produce a finished work. Writers, educators, and theorists have defined the writing process in many different ways, but it generally involves prewriting tasks, writing tasks, and post-writing tasks. More specifically, these tasks include planning, drafting, revising, editing, and publishing, in approximately that order.

Free writing is when you select a general topic or subject and write anything you know about it for a set period of time.  You do not need to worry about grammar, sentence structure, or writing mechanics because the activity is designed to keep your ideas flowing.  When you are finished writing, look at what you wrote and identify what stands out to you.  Are their specific words that you used several times?  Is there a common theme throughout the document?  Asking yourself these questions can help you identify an area of interest about a subject, and kickstart potential new ideas for your research.

These library provided databases are your best bets for general information! Again, make sure you know your university credentials to utilize these resources off-campus.

Also, here is a list of reference databases that may be helpful in starting your research.

These free web resources may also prove useful.

• Pew Research Center A nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping America and the world.
• American Fact Finder Provides access to data about the United States, Puerto Rico and the Island Areas. The data in American FactFinder come from several censuses and surveys.
• World Bank Open Data Free and open access to data about development in countries around the globe.
• British Library Digital Collection The British Library website contains comprehensive information about the Library, the scope of its collections, and how to use its services. There is also a range of catalogues and digital content.
• National Archives The National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) is the nation's record keeper. Of all documents and materials created in the course of business conducted by the United States Federal government, only 1%-3% are so important for legal or historical reasons that they are kept by us forever.
• Bartleby Great Books Online The preeminent internet publisher of literature, reference and verse providing students, researchers and the intellectually curious with unlimited access to books and information on the web, free of charge.
• Artlex Art Dictionary This site is for artists, collectors, students and educators in the areas of production, criticism, history, aesthetics, and education. It includes definitions with supporting images, quotations and cross-references. Includes an index to articles and short cuts to longer articles.
• << Previous: Narrowing Your Research Topic
• Next: EBSCO's Research Starters >>
• Last Updated: Jul 10, 2024 9:56 AM
• URL: https://library.tiffin.edu/selectingaresearchtopic

Organizing Academic Research Papers: 1. Choosing a Topic

• Purpose of Guide
• Design Flaws to Avoid
• Glossary of Research Terms
• Narrowing a Topic Idea
• Broadening a Topic Idea
• Extending the Timeliness of a Topic Idea
• Academic Writing Style
• Choosing a Title
• Making an Outline
• Paragraph Development
• Executive Summary
• Background Information
• The Research Problem/Question
• Theoretical Framework
• Citation Tracking
• Content Alert Services
• Evaluating Sources
• Primary Sources
• Secondary Sources
• Tertiary Sources
• What Is Scholarly vs. Popular?
• Qualitative Methods
• Quantitative Methods
• Using Non-Textual Elements
• Limitations of the Study
• Common Grammar Mistakes
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Footnotes or Endnotes?
• Further Readings
• Annotated Bibliography
• Dealing with Nervousness
• Using Visual Aids
• Grading Someone Else's Paper
• How to Manage Group Projects
• Multiple Book Review Essay
• Reviewing Collected Essays
• About Informed Consent
• Writing Field Notes
• Writing a Policy Memo
• Writing a Research Proposal
• Acknowledgements

A topic is the main organizing principle guiding the analysis of your research paper. Topics offer us an occasion for writing and a focus that governs what we want to say. Topics represent the core subject matter of scholarly communication, and the means by which we arrive at other topics of conversations and discover new knowledge.

Choosing a Topic / How to Begin

Do not expect choosing the topic to be a quick or easy task! You should be thinking about it right from the start of the course. There are generally three ways you are asked to write about a research problem :

• your professor provides you with a general topic from which you study a particular aspect of;
• your professor provides you with a list of possible topics; or
• your professor leaves it up to you to choose a topic and you only have to obtain his/her permission to write about it before beginning your investigation.

Here are some strategies for getting started for each scenario.

I.  How To Begin:  You are given the topic to write about Step 1 : Identify concepts and terms that make up the topic statement . For example, your professor wants the class to focus on the following research problem: “Is the European Union as a whole becoming a credible security actor with the ability to contribute to global security?” The main concepts are: European Union, global security, credibility [ hint : focus on identifying proper nouns, nouns or noun phrases, and action verbs in the assignment description]. Step 2 : Review related literature to help refine how you will approach focusing on the topic and finding a way to analyze it . You can begin by doing any or all of the following: reading through background information from materials listed in your course syllabus; searching the SHU library catalog to find a recent introductory book and, if appropriate, more specialized works about the topic; conducting a preliminary review of the research literature using multidisciplinary library databases such as EBSCOhost's Academic Search Premier  or subject-specific databases found here . Use the main concept terms you developed in Step 1 to retrieve relevant articles. This will help you refine and frame the research problem. Don’t be surprised if you need to do this several times before you finalize how to approach writing about the topic. NOTE :  Always review the references cited by the authors in footnotes, endnotes, or a bibliography to help locate additional research on the topic. However, if you’re having trouble at this point locating related research literature, ask a librarian for help! Step 3 : Since social science research papers are generally designed to get you to develop your own ideas and arguments, look for sources that can help broaden, modify, or strengthen your initial thoughts and arguments [for example, if you decide to argue that the European Union is ill prepared to take on responsibilities for broader global security because of the debt crisis in many EU countries, then focus on identifying sources that support as well as refute this position].

There are least four appropriate roles your related literature plays in helping you formulate how to begin your analysis :

• Sources of criticism -- frequently, you'll find yourself reading materials that are relevant to your chosen topic, but you disagree with the author's position. Therefore, one way that you can use a source is to describe the counter-argument, provide evidence from your review of the literature as to why it is unsatisfactory, and discuss how your own view is more appropriate based upon your interpretation of the evidence.
• Sources of new ideas -- while a general goal in writing college research papers is to approach a research problem with some basic idea of what position you'd like to take and what grounds you'd like to stand upon, it is certainly acceptable [and often encouraged] to read the literature and extend, modify, and refine your own position in light of the ideas proposed by others. Just make sure that you cite the sources !
• Sources for historical context -- another role your related literature plays in helping you formulate how to begin your analysis is to place issues and events in proper historical context. This can help to demonstrate familiarity with developments in relevant scholarship about your topic, provide a means of comparing historical versus contemporary issues and events, and identifying key people, places, and things that had an important role related to the research problem.
• Sources of interdisciplinary insight -- an advantage of using databases like EBSCOhost's  Academic Search Premier  to begin exploring your topic is that it covers publications from a variety of different disciplines. Another way to formulate how to study the topic is to look at it from different disciplinary perspectives. If the topic concerns immigration reform, ask yourself, for example, how do studies from sociological journals found by searching Proquest vary in their analysis from those in law journals. Another role of related literature is to provide a means of approaching a topic from multiple perspectives rather than the perspective offered from just one discipline.

NOTE : Remember to keep careful notes at every stage. You may think you'll remember what you have searched and where you found things, but it’s easy to forget.

Step 4 : Assuming you've done an effective job of synthesizing and thinking about the results of our initial search for related literature, you're ready to prepare a detailed outline for your paper that lays the foundation for a more in-depth and focused review of relevant research literature [after consulting with a librarian, if needed!].

II.  How To Begin:  You are provided a list of possible topics to choose from Step 1 : I know what you’re thinking--which topic from this list is the easiest to find the most information on? An effective instructor should never include a topic that is so obscure or complex that no research is available to review and from which to begin to design a study. Instead of searching for the path of least resistance, begin by choosing a topic that you find interesting in some way, or that is controversial and you have a strong opinion about, or that has some personal meaning for you. You're going to be working on your topic for quite some time, so choose one that's interesting or that makes you want to take a position on. Once you’ve settled on a topic of interest from the list, follow Steps 1 - 4 listed above to further develop it into a research paper .

NOTE : It’s ok to review related literature to help refine how you will approach analyzing a topic, and then discover that the topic isn’t all that interesting after all. In that case, you can choose another from the list. Just don’t wait too long to make a switch and be sure to consult with your professor first.

III.  How To Begin:  Your professor leaves it up to you to choose a topic Step 1 : Under this scenario, the key process is turning an idea or general thought into a topic that can be cast as a research problem. When given an assignment where you choose the research topic, don't begin by thinking about what to write about, but rather, ask yourself the question, "What do I want to know?" Treat an open-ended assignment as an opportunity to learn about something that's new or exciting to you.

Step 2 : If you lack ideas, or wish to gain focus, try some or all of the following strategies:

• Review your course readings, particularly the suggested readings, for topic ideas. Don't just review what you've already read but jump ahead in the syllabus to readings that have not been covered yet.
• Search the SHU library catalog for a good, recent introductory book and, if appropriate, more specialized works related to the discipline  area of the course.
• Browse through some current journals in your subject discipline. Even if most of the articles are not relevant, you can skim through the contents quickly. You only need one to be the spark that begins the process of wanting to learn more about a topic. Consult a librarian or your professor about the core journals within your subject discipline.
• Think about essays you have written for past classes and other coursework you have taken or academic lectures and programs you have attended. Thinking back, what most interested you? What would you like to know more about?
• Search online media sources, such as CNN , the Los Angeles Times , Huffington Post , or Newsweek , to see if your idea has been covered in the news. Use this coverage to refine your idea into something that you'd like to investigate further but in a more deliberate, scholarly way based on a problem to research.

Step 3 : To build upon your initial idea, use the suggestions under this tab to help narrow, broaden, or increase the timeliness of your idea so you can write it out as a research problem.

Once you are comfortable with having turned your idea into a topic, follow Steps 1 - 4 listed in Part I above to further develop it into a research paper .

Answering the Question. Academic Skills Centre. University of Canberra; Brainstorming. Department of English Writing Guide. George Mason University; Brainstorming . The Writing Center. University of North Carolina; Choosing a Topic . The Writing Lab and The OWL. Purdue University;  Coming Up With Your Topic . Institute for Writing Rhetoric. Dartmouth College; How To Write a Thesis Statement . Writing Tutorial Services, Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. Indiana University; Identify Your Question . Start Your Research. University Library, University of California, Santa Cruz; The Process of Writing a Research Paper . Department of History. Trent University; Trochim, William M.K. Problem Formulation . Research Methods Knowledge Base. 2006.

Resources for Identifying a Topic

If you are having difficulty identifying a topic to study or need basic background information, the following web resources and databases can be useful:

• Global Issues in Context - Offers international viewpoints on a broad spectrum of global issues, topics, and current events, with rich multimedia - including podcasts, video, and interactive graphs.
• New York Times Topics -- each topic page collects news, reference and archival information, photos, graphics, audio and video files published on a variety of topics. Content is available without charge on articles going back to 1981.
• Social Science Research Network -- a service providing scholarly research papers, working papers, and journals in numerous social science disciplines.

Writing Tip

Don't be a Martyr!

In thinking about a research topic to study, don't adopt the mindset of pursuing an esoteric or incredibly complicated topic just to impress your professor but that, in reality, does not have any real interest to you. As best as you can, choose a topic that has at least some interest to you. Obviously, this is easier for courses within your major, but even for those nasty prerequisit classes that you must take in order to graduate [and that provide an additional revenue stream to the University], try to apply issues from your major to the general topic given to you. For example, if you are an IR major taking a philosophy class where the assignment asks you to apply the question of "what is truth" to some aspect of life, you could choose to study how government leaders attempt to shape truth through the use of propaganda.

Another Writing Tip

Not Finding Anything on Your Topic? Ask a Librarian!

Librarians are experts in locating information and providing strategies for analyzing existing knowledge in new ways. Do not immediately assume that your topic is too narrow because you haven’t found any information about it. Always consult a librarian before you consider giving up on finding information about the topic you want to investigate. If there isn't a lot of information about your topic, a librarian can often help you identify a closely related topic you can study.

• << Previous: Glossary of Research Terms
• Next: Narrowing a Topic Idea >>
• Last Updated: Jul 18, 2023 11:58 AM
• URL: https://library.sacredheart.edu/c.php?g=29803
• QuickSearch
• Library Catalog
• Databases A-Z
• Publication Finder
• Course Reserves
• Citation Linker
• Digital Commons
• Our Website

Research Support

• Ask a Librarian
• Appointments
• Interlibrary Loan (ILL)
• Research Guides
• Databases by Subject
• Citation Help

Using the Library

• Reserve a Group Study Room
• Renew Books
• Honors Study Rooms
• Off-Campus Access
• Library Policies
• Library Technology

User Information

• Grad Students
• Online Students
• COVID-19 Updates
• Staff Directory
• News & Announcements
• Library Newsletter

My Accounts

• Interlibrary Loan
• Staff Site Login

FIND US ON