How To Look for a Possible Research Topic

Choosing a research topic can be a complex process for college learners who are writing a thesis or dissertation.  Learners should have some interest in the topic while making sure it is readable by the end user.  The ultimate goal of the research should be to add to the body of knowledge already available.  In order to achieve this goal, the research topic should be filtered down to a specific problem for study.  The following process can be helpful for learners that are in the beginning phases of choosing a research project.

1. First, learners should talk to experts in the field.  This will help them to acquire a general understanding or frame of reference from people that are actually working in their field.  For example, if the field of study is human services, the learner may want to talk to health care administrators or mental health counselors.  Learners should focus on problems the experts have within the field because these problems could make good research topics.
2. Second, learners should scan the existing literature to determine how much information is already available on the topic.  Access the university's library for journals, magazine articles, or books that apply to the field.  Previous dissertations or thesis papers can also be a good source of information.  Although the goal of research is to add to the existing knowledge, at the thesis or dissertation level, the learner should make sure that there is foundational information available about the research topic.  Without this foundation, the research process can take a long time.
3. Third, learners can find ideas for research topics by taking advantage of the global resources on the Internet.  By itself, Google is a great way to generate ideas; however, Google Scholar is an even better resource.  Google Scholar is targeted more toward academia by providing scholarly articles, books, and references that can guide the learner in the search for a research topic.
4. Finally, after gathering all the information from experts, existing literature, and sources on the Internet, the learner must determine his or her own motivation for conducting the research.  The choice of a research topic may rely heavily upon career advancement or a career in higher education.  Or the purpose of the research could be to advocate for an underserved population or improve a community program.  The research purpose could also be to solve or analyze a current event issue, such as health care reform or immigration reform.  An understanding of the purpose for conducting research is the final important element in choosing a research topic.