Your topic should neither be too broad nor be too narrow. It should interest you, only then you will be able to deliver a research that can interest the readers. However, these instructions or rules for choosing that perfect research topic are easier said than done.
Consider Nadya’s case shared below to get an idea of how a research topic can be detected whether or not it’s researchable.
The Case of Nadya
Nadya is a nutritionist and a writer of a renowned health and fitness blog. Her work is writing informative blogs to educate people on how they should change their diet to lose pounds and be out and about.
Nadya decided to choose a topic “weight-related concerns and behaviours in adolescents”. Nadya chose this topic as she was curious to explore this issue, and further, she found her younger sister falling prey to overweight who had been struggling for years to slough off extra pounds. In fact, her parents were also concerned about her appearance as no significant improvements in weight allowed of only one interpretation - fat is refractory.
Assuming that the topic was researchable, Nadya took the plunge and dived into reading literature. Having read many articles, she found that many studies had been done to explore the impact of a healthy diet and weight loss.
When Nadya went deeper into the literature, she discovered that overweight or obese people have low self-esteem. Many adolescents do not adapt to schools and colleges due to scorn heaped by prejudices of society. They are severely stigmatised and are frequently stereotyped as ugly, dullard, mean, obnoxious and torpid. They also face problems to manage their love life. Studies also demonstrated adverse social and economic correlates among adults in industrialised countries. Obese adults are more likely to live in destitution and less likely to date or marry than their nonâ€overweight counterparts.
Nadya carefully read all literature published in prominent journals that could fall within the range of her chosen field. She reviewed all articles published in the last five years to find a research gap pertaining to the area of her interest.
Nadya found several publications on binge-eating and at the end, she was finally convinced that preventative measures of eating disorder could play a crucial role to keep obesity at bay.
So what have you concluded from this case?
- Read literature and discern the researchable ideas.
- Pay attention to the end section of articles to find limitations of studies and recommendations for future research.
- You might find that many studies have been conducted. You may also find that the studies that have been executed cover only one particular class, category or group of people such as only adolescents, teenagers or children. You may also find several studies suggesting for future research.
- Consider whether you be able to carry out research on the gap that you have found or one of the suggestions for future research.
Moving onto Your Research Proposal
Answer these questions before you set a proposal in motion.
- Is your topic worthwhile?
- Is the topic interesting to you?
- How will it add benefit to existing knowledge?
