Research Topic Selection

Selecting a Research Topic

• Identify a general subject related to your area of expertise and interest to select a research topic.
• A well-written topic describes the variables of interest and important characteristics of participants.

Sources of Research Topics

• There are five main sources of research topics: theories, personal experiences, previous studies, electronic mailing lists, and library searches.
• Theories are organized bodies of concepts, generalizations, and principles that can be studied to determine their applicability or generalizability.
• Personal experiences and concerns can lead to useful and personally rewarding studies.
• Previous studies can be replicated by changing some feature from the original study.
• Library searches are not efficient for identifying research topics, but are valuable after a topic has been identified.
• Electronic mailing lists, blogs, and social media can keep researchers updated on what others are investigating.

Characteristics of Good Research Topics

• A good research topic is interesting, prompts the interest of readers.
• A good research topic is researchable, allows for collection and analysis of data.
• A good research topic is significant, its solution contributes to improving the educational process.
• A good research topic is ethical, does not harm participants in any way.
• A good research topic is manageable, considering current research skills, available resources, time, and other restrictions.

Definition and Purpose of Hypotheses in Quantitative Studies

• A hypothesis in a quantitative study is formulated based on theory or literature review.
• A good hypothesis has a sound rationale, is a reasoned prediction, not a wild guess.
• A good hypothesis states clearly and concisely the expected relations or differences between variables in measurable terms.
• A well-stated and well-defined hypothesis must be testable.

Types of Hypotheses

• An inductive hypothesis is a generalization made from a number of observations (data), used in exploratory research/qualitative research.
• A deductive hypothesis is derived from theory, aimed at providing evidence that supports, expands, or contradicts aspects of a given theory, used in quantitative research/confirmatory research.

Discover the first step in selecting a research topic, including identifying a general subject and its relation to your area of expertise. Learn about the five main sources of research topics, including theories, personal experiences, and more.