A dissertation topic is a major concern of the majority of BS, MS. or PhD students. If you’re finally getting close to the end of your degree, you need to choose a topic for your dissertation or thesis. A good research topic for your project proposal may also be necessary if you are beginning your research project.
In this blog post, we’ll outline 8 major tips to find and choose a dissertation topic within a minimum timeframe. Follow these steps to formulate a well-suited, well-defined core research topic in 2023;
Major Tips To Choose Dissertation Topic In 2023!
Without wasting even a single, we will guide you on how to choose the right topic for your online dissertation writing or thesis hassle-freely. So, delve into getting insights;
1. Must Check Your Research Requirements
Checking the prerequisites for your research is the first step. It determines the range of what you can research.
- What should be the range of word count?
- When would be the submission deadline?
- Should the research be professional or academic in nature?
- Do any methodological requirements exist? Do you have to use a certain kind of source or undertake fieldwork?
Requirements for some projects and research are more stringent than others. A limited list of themes and techniques may be provided, or you may only have a word count and a deadline. Always consult your supervisor or the department coordinator if you need clarification on what is expected of you.
2. Opt for An Extensive Field Of Research
First of all, you must consider your areas of interest within the subject you’re specialising in. To get specialisation in your respective field is mandatory whether you’re a BS, M.Phil., or a PhD student Examples of broad concepts are:
- Literature from the 20th century
- Economic background
- Health-care laws
3. Find Books & Articles
To have a better understanding of the current state of research on your potential topic, look through a few recent issues of the leading journals in your field. Please pay close attention to their publications that have received the maximum citations. You can also search on Google Scholar, subject-specific databases, and the resources at your university library for getting ideas & inspiration.
After reading and shortlisting a few potential topics, list the ideas that specifically attract you. Consider how the topics of any previous papers you’ve written, such as a third-year or conference paper, might be expanded into a dissertation.
4. Try To Find A Right Niche
It’s time to begin limiting the alternatives for your chosen dissertation topic after conducting preliminary research. This may be a gradual process that becomes increasingly extensive as you proceed. You might narrow it down by considering the following ideas:
- 20th-century literature
- Post-war Irish poetry
- Economic History & its Consequences
- European Economic Background
- Historical research On the German Labour Union
- Medical diagnosis & it’s possible latest treatments
- Reproductive health policies
All these topics are still broad enough, on which a ton of books and articles have been written. Look for a niche in which you can stand out, such as an area where you did research, a topic that is still up for debate, or a recent practical concern.
There’s still time to shift your focus, so ensure you have a few backup ideas. You can also try a different topic if the topic of your thesis doesn’t make any sense during the next few steps. Later, when writing your problem statement and research questionnaires, you will narrow your focus further.
5. Must Consider Your Prospective Research Type
Different types of research have been conducted for many years, so it’s a brilliant idea to start considering the approach you’ll take to choose dissertation topic. Will that be what you primarily focus on?
- Collecting original yet relevant data such as experiments or field-based research?
- Analysing existing data such as local statistics, public records, and archives?
- Interpreting cultural objects such as novels, movies, poetries, or paintings?
- Comparing different scholar-based approaches such as theories, methods, findings, or interpretations?
More than one of these will frequently combine in dissertations. Sometimes the type of research is evident: for example, if your intended topic is post-World War II Irish poetry, you may spend the majority of your time interpreting poems.
However, there are several possible alternatives in other cases. You may analyse media reports and public policy documents to learn more about your topic. You can also conduct interviews and surveys to collect first-hand information.
You shouldn’t finalise your research design and methods yet because your research type will influence the addressable aspects of your dissertation topic. So, thinking about it as you narrow down your ideas is preferable too.
6. Must Determine Your Topic Relevance
While your topic must interest you, you also need to ensure that it is academically, socially, or practically relevant in your field.
- Academic relevance: The research’s ability to close a knowledge gap or advance a scholarly discussion in your area of study.
- Socially-relevant research: It can help you better understand society and influence social change.
- Practical relevance: The research’s ability to address specific issues or enhance operational procedures.
To choose dissertation topic according to recent issues or debates, whether in society or your academic discipline, ensuring your research relevancy is crucial. When you specify your research problem, the significance must be obvious.
7. Check to See Whether it Makes Sense.
The length of your dissertation, the deadline for finishing it, and the feasibility of carrying out the research are major considerations when you decide on a topic.
Do you have sufficient time to read the key academic literature on your selected topic? If the amount of information is too much, think about narrowing down your focus even more.
Will you uncover or collect enough information to meet the dissertation’s requirements? Consider extending or changing your focus if finding information is difficult for you.
Is there any specific place you must visit to collect information about your intended topic? Be confident if you have adequate resources and practical access.
What’s more, will you stay interested in the topic throughout the entire research process? It’s crucial to pick something you’re passionate about to stay motivated!
8. Get Your Dissertation Topic Approved:
The majority of projects will need you to submit a brief description of your topic, known as a research prospectus or proposal.
Remember, It’s OK to change your focus before dissertation writing if your topic isn’t as compelling as you had initially believed. Be sure to have enough time to start a new topic once again. Also, consult with your project manager or research supervisor before starting.
Final Words
Opting for the right dissertation topic is the very first step to ensure your research goes smoothly. When you choose dissertation topic, you must remember all the above-mentioned major tips to get the most out of your final dissertation. Unique dissertation topics with 100% relevancy, findings, and outcomes will raise your hand among researchers worldwide.
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To know more about the research process, methodologies, research bias, or statistics, check out some of our other insightful and informative articles!
