How to Select and Limit a Research Topic (PDF)

LET’S RECALL Direction: Write at least three characteristics of Research. LET’S WATCH  QUESTIONS: 1. How is research defined based on the video? 2. Are gathering information, rearranging of facts, and combining a paragraph from encyclopedia with couple of paragraphs from the web considered as...

LET’S RECALL Direction: Write at least three characteristics of Research. LET’S WATCH  QUESTIONS: 1. How is research defined based on the video? 2. Are gathering information, rearranging of facts, and combining a paragraph from encyclopedia with couple of paragraphs from the web considered as a research? Why? Why not? LESSON #3 01 Formulate a thesis statement Apply the guidelines on how to 02 select and limit a research topic Write a research title with 03 corresponding statement of the problem Show perseverance in doing the 04 task by submitting it on time.  Do you have a strong opinion on a current social or political controversy? Did you read a newspaper article, or see a TV broadcast recently that piqued your curiosity or made you angry or anxious? Do you have a personal issue, problem, or interest you'd like to know more about?  What sources of information can you use to gather information? Can you use the library, magazines, journals, periodicals, or the internet to collect information? A topic will be very difficult to research if it is too broad or too narrow. by geographic region by culture by time frame by discipline by population group 1. By Geographic Region 3. By Time Frame Broad Topic: Renewable energy solutions Broad Topic: Women's rights movements Focused Topic: "The role of solar energy Focused Topic: "The impact of the 1960s in reducing carbon emissions in Taguig feminist movement on workplace equality in City" the United States." 2. By Culture 4. By Discipline Broad Topic: Social media's influence on Broad Topic: Climate change communication Focused Topic: "The impact of rising Focused Topic: "How TikTok has reshaped temperatures on agricultural yield from an communication norms among Gen Z in ecological perspective." Filipino culture." 5. By Population Group Broad Topic: Mental health awareness Focused Topic: "The effectiveness of mental health awareness campaigns targeting Grade 10 students in urban schools." You can combine these criteria to further refine your research topic. For Example: "The influence of traditional Japanese culture (culture) on business practices (discipline) in the 20th century (time frame).“ "The psychological effects (discipline) of social media use on teenagers (population group) in urban India (geographic region)." Keep track of the words that are used to describe your topic. Look for words that best describe your topic. Look for descriptive words in the encyclopedia articles and other reading you do while selecting your topic. Find synonyms and broader and narrower terms for each keyword in order to expand your search capabilities. Keep a list of these words to use as keywords later as you search in catalogs and other online databases.  “The Impact of Video Games on Children’s Cognitive Development” 1. Keep track of the words: While researching, you encounter terms like “video games,” “cognitive development,” “screen time,” and “child psychology.” 2.Look for descriptive words: “educational games” or “violent video games” make your searches more specific. 3.Find synonyms and related terms: ⚬ Synonyms: “Video games” = “digital games.” ⚬ Broader terms: “Children’s development” = “youth behavior.” ⚬ Narrower terms: “Cognitive development” = “memory improvement.” 4.Keep a list: Combine all these words into a keyword list, which you use to search in academic databases like Google Scholar or JSTOR.  It is common to modify your topic during the research process. Keep in mind the assigned length of the research paper, project, or other research assignment.  Clear Focused Feasible Complex For example: Ideas: Climate change or renewable energy Research Question: How has climate change influenced renewable energy development? Focused Research Question: What renewable energy technologies are most effective in mitigating the effects of climate change in coastal cities?  Write your topic as a thesis statement. This may be the answer to your research question and or a way to clearly state the purpose of your research. Your thesis statement will be one or two sentences that state precisely what is to be answered, proven, or what you will inform your readers about your topic. The development of a thesis assumes there is sufficient evidence to support the thesis statement. Research Question: How does social media impact the mental health of teenagers? Thesis Statement: Social media significantly impacts the mental health of teenagers by increasing exposure to cyberbullying, promoting unrealistic body image expectations, and reducing face-to-face social interactions, ultimately contributing to higher rates of anxiety and depression among adolescents. Research Question: What are the main causes of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest? Thesis Statement: Deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest is primarily driven by illegal logging, agricultural expansion, and the global demand for resources, which exacerbate environmental degradation and biodiversity loss. Purpose: To inform readers about the challenges of renewable energy adoption in rural areas. Thesis Statement: Adopting renewable energy in rural areas is hindered by a lack of infrastructure, high initial costs, and limited public awareness of available technologies. SUMMARY 01 Brainstorm for Ideas Identify the Sources of General 02 Background Information 03 Focus on your topic Make a list of useful 04 keywords Define your Topic as a 05 Focused Research Question 06 Formulate a Thesis Statement