This world is full of unknown, unexplained – what you don’t know others may not know – a research topic – the what! Not all topics are researchable – too broad, research already exists, not relevant, etc.
Think carefully about your research topic. It is your PhD, not supervisors, university, etc. The best research topic is not about what you love but what is doable within time – you can research anything else later.
Your researchable focused topic in an area you have studied will –
1. Provides you direction and focus-
Serve as your compass, offering precise guidance in your research, literature review, methodology, and data analysis. You get lost in the sea of information and struggle to make progress.
2. Ensures feasibility–
The topic should be feasible within the constraints of your program (time and resources available).
3. Facilitates literature review-
The topic will help you narrow down your literature search on the most relevant and important sources – and organise and synthesise in a meaningful way.
4. Increases motivation and engagement-
The topic will motivate and engage you throughout the journey – fuel curiosity and drive you to research deeper.
5. Improves thesis quality-
A focused topic leads to impactful research, allowing you to contribute significantly to your field by addressing relevant research questions.
6. Enhances career prospects-
A focused topic can enhance your career prospects – a specialised and sought-after candidate in the job market.
A researchable, focused topic is one of the building blocks on your PhD journey.
7 Questions About Your Topic
When picking your topic, ask these questions:
1. Does this topic genuinely excite me?
Your research journey will be long and demanding – choosing a topic that interests you will sustain your motivation through challenges.
2. Is this topic original and novel?
Your research should contribute something new and unique while building on existing research – the gaps in literature, unanswered questions, or approaches to existing problems.
3. Is this topic feasible/workable within the timeframe and resources available?
Decide whether you can realistically complete the research within the allotted timeframe and resources.
4. Do I have sufficient resources to conduct this research? – data, libraries, equipment, funding, supervisors with expertise in your chosen area, etc.
5. Is this topic relevant and impactful? Will results contribute meaningfully and address a significant problem or question that will make real-world impact?
6. Do you have the skills and knowledge to research the topic? Also, your research experience. Are you ready to gain the skills to conduct the research?
7. Does this topic align with your long-term career goals? Will this topic improve your employability and create new opportunities?
By considering these questions, you can select a research topic that is both personally and professionally rewarding.
