Selection of Topic or Subject in Research

Selection of Topic or Subject in Research

Things to Consider When Choosing a Topic (IARSN)

1. Interest:

   • Choose a subject that genuinely interests you. Passion for a topic can keep you engaged throughout your research process.

2. Availability of Sources:

   • Prioritize subjects for which a wide range of source material is readily available. This ensures you will not encounter difficulties in finding credible references and supporting materials to strengthen your work.

3. Research Accessibility:

   • Ensure you can find sources on your topic, both locally and internationally. This breadth of perspective can enrich your research.

4. Significance:

   • Select a subject of some significance. A topic that has lasting interest will not only be challenging but will also motivate you to dive deeper. Remember, you will be dedicating considerable time and effort to this study, so choosing something meaningful is crucial.

5. Narrowing Down:

   • Once you have chosen a general topic, it is essential to narrow it down so that it becomes more specific and manageable. Doing so will make your research more focused and applicable.

Example Topics

• General Topic: Insects

• Narrow Topic: Butterflies

• Specific Topic: Monarch Butterflies

  
  

• Interest: World War II

• Theme: Debate & Diplomacy in History

• General Topic: War in the Pacific

• Narrow Topic: Surrender of Japan

Things to Consider When Narrowing a Topic (IPA)

• Initial Reading:

  • Do some general reading on your topic to become familiar with various aspects and viewpoints associated with it. This background knowledge can better inform your specific focus.

• Purpose of Your Paper:

  • Establish the purpose of your paper early on. Consider what you aim to inform the reader about and ensure that your topic can be handled within the assigned length and scope of time.

• Aspect Focus: Concentrate on a particular aspect of your topic that lends itself well to the available sources. For instance:

  • General Topic: Alcoholism

  • Narrowed Topic: Causes of Alcoholism

  
  

  • General Topic: Scientists/Mathematicians

  • Narrowed Topics: Albert Einstein’s Impact on the 20th Century

    
    

  • General Topic: Drugs

  • Narrowed Topic: Effects of Drug Use

    
    

  • General Topic: Elizabethan England

  • Narrowed Topic: Health Concerns in Shakespeare’s Time

    
    

  • General Topic: Tennis

  • Narrowed Topic: The Rise in the Popularity of Women’s Tennis

After Narrowing Topics: Creating Sub-Topics

• Once we have narrowed our topics, the next step is to further delineate them into sub-topics.

• Consider your sub-topics as the reasons you'll explore in the body paragraphs of your persuasive essay.

• For example:

  • General Topic: Eating Disorders

  • Broad Topic: Anorexia Nervosa

  • Specific Topic: Physical Effects of Anorexia Nervosa

    • Sub-Topic 1: Depletion of Vitamins and Minerals

    • Sub-Topic 2: Negative Side Effects on Mental Health

    • Sub-Topic 3: Cardiovascular Issues

• This process not only helps clarify your research direction but also ensures that your argument is comprehensive and well-supported with research findings.