GUIDELINES IN THE

SELECTION OF RESEARCH 8
RESEARCH
TOPIC/PROBLEM

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 Interest and Passion: Choose a topic that genuinely interests
you. Passion for the subject will help sustain your motivation
throughout the research process.
 Relevance: Ensure that your topic is relevant to your field of
study or discipline. It should align with your academic or
career goals.
 Narrow Down: Start with a broad area of interest and
gradually narrow it down to a specific research problem. A
well-defined problem is easier to investigate.
 Originality: Seek out areas where there is a gap in the existing
literature or unanswered questions. Original research
contributes more to the field.

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 Feasibility: Consider the available resources, time, and access
to data or materials. Make sure your chosen problem is
manageable within your constraints.
 Scope: Define the scope of your research. Determine if your
problem is too broad or too narrow for the research timeframe
and resources available.
 Consult with Advisors: Talk to your professors or advisors.
They can provide guidance and suggest topics based on your
academic strengths and interests.
 Literature Review: Conduct a comprehensive literature review
to understand what has been studied before and identify gaps
or controversies in the literature.

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 Research Questions: Formulate clear, concise research
questions that your study aims to answer. Ensure they are
specific and focused.
 Significance: Consider the significance of your research
problem. Ask yourself why it matters and who it may benefit.
 Ethical Considerations: Be mindful of any ethical concerns
related to your research topic, especially in fields involving
human subjects or sensitive issues.
 Research Methodology: Think about the research methods you
will use to investigate the problem. Some problems may
require specific methods or tools.

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 Practical Applications: Consider the practical applications of
your research. How might the findings be applied in the real
world?
 Current Trends: Stay updated with current trends and
emerging issues in your field. Your research problem should
be relevant and reflective of the times.
 Peer Feedback: Discuss your topic with peers and colleagues.
They can provide valuable insights and different perspectives.
 Pilot Study: If possible, conduct a pilot study to test the
feasibility and relevance of your research problem before
committing to it.

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 Flexibility: Be prepared to adapt or refine your research
problem as you gather more information and data. Research
often evolves.
 Timeframe: Consider the time required for your research.
Ensure your chosen problem can be investigated within the
time available.
 Audience: Think about your target audience or readers. Will
your research problem be of interest to them?
 Personal Goals: Consider how your research topic aligns with
your personal and academic goals, such as career aspirations
and future research interests.

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Remember that the research topic you
choose should not only be academically
sound but also engaging and motivating
for you. It's a decision that will influence
your research journey, so take your time
to explore and select a problem that
resonates with your interests and goals.

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