Guidelines in Narrowing Down a Research Topic

A common challenge when beginning to write a research paper is determining how to narrow
down your topic. To assist you in the selection process, here are some guidelines given by
Baraceros (2016:38-39):

1. INTEREST IN THE SUBJECT MATTER

Being interested in a topic is usually due to the richness of your stock knowledge about it or
because of its familiarity with you. Curiosity about an issue/topic is one of the factors that
motivate a person to unravel the unknown in a topic. Thus, the researcher’s interest increases
the possibility of the success of the study.

2. RICHNESS OF AVAILABLE SOURCES OR SUPPORTING PIECES OF EVIDENCE

One of the things that you should do is to collect a lot of information on your topic of interest.
This enables you to find pieces of evidence that would support your topic. You must ensure that
your sources come from a wide variety of literature such as books, journals, periodicals, online
articles, etc. Hence, going to the library and surfing the internet are some of the activities that
you should do as a researcher.

3. TIMELINESS AND RELEVANCE OF THE TOPIC

Your topic should be relevant and timely. A topic is relevant if it serves as an instrument in
improving society or if it answers or solves current issues which are some of the reasons why
research is conducted.

4. LIMITATIONS OF THE SUBJECT

Aside from your interest, you must also consider the significance of the topic in your track and
strand. Remember that research is conducted to contribute something valuable to a particular
area or discipline.

5. PERSONAL RESOURCES

Prior to finalizing your chosen topic, you must assess your research abilities as a student. You
may do so by taking your financial capability, health condition, personal qualifications, and
training as a researcher, needed facilities, and time allotment into account. It is important that all
of these aspects are considered in order for you to guarantee the accomplishment of your
research.

Steps to Trim Down Areas of Interest

Now that you have learned the considerations in formulating a research problem, here are the
steps that will guide you to trim down your area of interest.

1. Focus on your track, strand or area of specialization.

•  For example: HUMSS

2. Recall the specific area, lesson or issue in your respective field or strand that has
piqued or aroused your interest the most.

•  Public Speaking

3. Generate an unanswered question or an unresolved problem from your chosen area or

lesson.

 •  Why do people feel anxious when speaking in public?

 4. Assess the question or problem based on the five guidelines stated above.

 •  I'm interested in the topic.

•  There are available sources of data.

•  It is timely and relevant.

•  It will contribute to my strand.

•  It is doable considering my personal resources.

5. Write your research problem.

•  Factors Affecting the Speaking Anxiety of Students

Guidelines in Formulating an Effective Research Title

When formulating an effective research title, take the following guidelines into consideration: 

1. Indicate accurately the subject and scope of the study.

2. The title must be limited to 10 to 15 substantive words. Conjunctions (and, but,
because), prepositions (in, on, at), and articles (the, a, an) are not counted.
3. Do not include analysis of, a study of, an investigation of and the like.
4. The title must be in the phrase form.
5. Avoid a title that gives too much information.