Use this guide, a component of the Research Skills Toolkit, to introduce you to library resources that may help you select and refine a research topic and generate an effective research question.
Selecting a topic and developing a research question are crucial steps in academic research. Here’s why:
Purpose of Selecting a Topic
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Focus and Direction: Choosing a specific topic helps narrow down the vast field of knowledge, providing a clear focus and direction for your research.
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Relevance and Interest: A well-chosen topic should be relevant to your field of study and of interest to you, which can keep you motivated throughout the research process.
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Feasibility: Selecting a manageable topic ensures that the research can be completed within the given time frame and with available resources.
Purpose of Generating a Research Question
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Guidance: A research question provides a clear path for your investigation, guiding your literature review, methodology, and analysis.
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Clarity and Precision: It helps in defining the scope of your study, making it easier to stay focused and avoid unnecessary digressions.
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Contribution to Knowledge: A well-formulated research question addresses a gap in the existing literature, contributing new insights or understanding to your field.
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Evaluation: It allows for the assessment of your research’s success by providing a specific query that your study aims to answer.
