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
- Focus and Direction: Choosing a specific topic helps narrow down the vast field of knowledge, providing a clear focus and direction for your research.
- 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.
- 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
- Guidance: A research question provides a clear path for your investigation, guiding your literature review, methodology, and analysis.
- Clarity and Precision: It helps in defining the scope of your study, making it easier to stay focused and avoid unnecessary digressions.
- Contribution to Knowledge: A well-formulated research question addresses a gap in the existing literature, contributing new insights or understanding to your field.
- Evaluation: It allows for the assessment of your research’s success by providing a specific query that your study aims to answer.
Need a little more help? Is there a research concept you aren't quite sure about? Librarians are here for you:
