Choosing a Research

Topic
Lesson 1

Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research Excellence & Relevance

 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

THINK ABOUT THIS

Chi zappa in fretta, raccoglierà piangendo.

Hoe in haste, harvest in tears.

Excellence & Relevance

 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

KEY VOCABULARY

Personal Interest
The subject or question that first inspires interest. This should not be confused with a
preliminary topic.

Research Interest
A personal interest that has been refined by specificity, focus, and vantage point.

Preliminary Topic
A research interest that has been refined enough to be a potential topic but has not yet
been tested by research.

https://uk.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/48560_Machi_The_Literature_Review_2e___ch1.pdf Excellence & Relevance

 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

INTRODUCTION

One of the most important things to consider first in

writing your title is the selection of your topic or
your problem. However, when you already have
your topic of interest, you face the most common
challenge: narrowing down your issue (Sacred Heart
University, n.d.). The topic is the central idea of the
research that you want to work on.

Excellence & Relevance

 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

CHOOSING YOUR RESEARCH TOPIC

1. Select a general topic about which you are

interested in learning more.
It is imperative for you to be interested in the
topic that you are trying to work on so that you
are not led astray while you are in the process of
building your paper.

Leavvy (2017)
Excellence & Relevance
 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

CHOOSING YOUR RESEARCH TOPIC

2. Summarize your topic in no more than a few words.

From the general topic you have chosen, narrow it
down to a more specific one. Using a graphic
organizer to lay down and map out the concepts
properly is best.

Leavvy (2017)
Excellence & Relevance
 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

CHOOSING YOUR RESEARCH TOPIC

3. Consider the feasibility of researching your topic.

Feasibility means possibility. Out of the concepts
you want to work with, ensure the possibility of
conducting your topic. Consider the constraints
such as duration, population, existing studies, and,
most of all, your financial capability.

Leavvy (2017)
Excellence & Relevance
 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

CHOOSING YOUR RESEARCH TOPIC

4. Consider if it is a worthwhile project (how the research

benefits others).
One of the purposes of conducting research is to contribute
to the body of science and humanity. Most of the
students are compelled to research since it is a requirement.
However, even if it is just a requirement, consider what
people can gain from your study, as working on a
research project is arduous and tedious.

Leavvy (2017)
Excellence & Relevance
 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

CHOOSING YOUR RESEARCH TOPIC

5. Consider your emotional connection to the topic.

This is related to the first item. If you are not
interested in your topic, the possibility of getting
easily distracted and demotivated in crafting your
research is very high. Thus, your topic must be
very close to your heart.

Leavvy (2017)
Excellence & Relevance
 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

MOVING FROM INTEREST TO TOPIC

Personal introspection, Initial library query, formal definition of

unpacking terms terms, perspective and vantage point

Define Academic
Personal
Research Discipline
interest
INFORM Interest INFORM Knowledge Base

Broad Interest Specific Subject, Data Leading to

Perspectives, Preliminary Topic
and Vantage Formation
Point

https://uk.sagepub.com/sites/default/files/upm-binaries/48560_Machi_The_Literature_Review_2e___ch1.pdf Excellence & Relevance

 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

EVALUATING YOUR RESEARCH TOPIC

CRITERIA YES NO

1. Does the topic perk up a person's curiosity and interest?

2. Does the topic show some trend or pattern?

3. Does the topic involve the experience of any individual?

4. Does the topic display a gap between theory and practice?

5. Does the topic have a perceived difficulty in broad subjects like family affairs, home management, and
leadership system?

6. Conveys a feeling of discomfort or difficulty

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 Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research

EVALUATING YOUR RESEARCH TOPIC

If most of your answers are YES, you may consider that topic for your research project. The
following can be a steppingstone in exploring your desired topic:
Actual problems encountered
Technological changes and curricular developments
Academic experience
Consultations
Consideration of existing practices and needs
Repetition or extension of the investigation
Studies underway

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 End of Lesson 1

Practical Research 2: Quantitative Research Excellence & Relevance