Advanced Research 1

Overview of the 8-Step Process in Choosing a Research Topic - CCLF CDMG

1: Check the requirements, 2: Choose a broad field of research, 3: Look for books and journal articles, 4: Find a niche, 5: Consider the type of research, 6: Determine the relevance, 7: Make sure it’s plausible, 8: Get your topic approved

Step 1: Check the requirements

identify word count, deadlines, if you would select a topic from a list or your own idea, or if there are strict methodological conditions such as required field work or specific source types.

Step 2: Choose a broad field of research

brainstorm areas of interests, pick a field you have familiarity with. Baseline knowledge gives you a strong starting point.

Step 3: Look for books and journal articles

skim through recent issues and highly cited journals, search broad platforms like Google scholar, review reference lists, take note of recurring ideas.

Step 4: Find a niche

narrow down your broad research topic into highly specific focus, has not been heavily researched yet, look for active debates and current problems, ensure enough existing literature to support your fundamental analysis

Step 5: Consider the type of research vis-a-vis Managing Research Scope and Time

determine your core analytical approach: a) collecting original data, b) analyzing existing data, c) interpreting cultural objects, d) comparing scholarly approached, methods and theories (CAIC)

Step 6: Determine the relevance

academic, social, practical relevance or professional orientation. (ASPP)

Step 7: Make sure it’s plausible

assess your timeline, confirm if you have enough sources, ensure you have practical access and adequate funding, evaluate if the topic can hold your interest

Step 8: Get your topic approved

discuss preliminary ideas with an expert advisor, confirm timeline before making a switch

Option A: Collecting original data via

experiments, surveys, or field research.

Option B: Analyzing existing data such as

public archives or national statistics

Option C: Interpreting cultural objects like

films, novels, or paintings.

Option D: Comparing distinct scholarly…

approaches, methods, or theories.

Academic relevance

Your research fills a clear knowledge gap or enters a debate.

Social relevance

The work advances social understanding or informs direct change.

Practical relevance

The project solves real-life problems or improves concrete processes.

Professional orientation

Professional training programs may require a commercial focus to help future employment.