Getting Started on a Research

by Group 1
Research is driven by the
researcher’s interests. Interests
may come from any of the
following source:
1. Daily Life Experiences
2. Academic readings
3. Personal hobbies
4. Attention-catching situations
 IDENTIFYING A RESEARCH TOPIC
through:
A. Reading books, research articles,
and other professional publications
regarding a given topic of interest;
B. Asking help from experts in the
field for more relevant ideas and
perspectives; and
C. Observing things for some
experiences about this interest.
Research topics can also be identified
from the following:
a. current events or emerging ideas;
b. problems that require solutions;
c. products that may be tested;
d. reports about what scientists are
currently working on;
e. problems encountered when using a
new technology; and
f. specific needs of a certain community
In selecting a topic, the following
may be considered:
A. Personal factors - are related to
personal experiences, professional
qualifications, expertise, motivation,
intellectual curiosity, and
perceptiveness of the researcher.
Time element, benefits, and hazards
may also be considered.
B. External factors – include
uniqueness or novelty, importance
or value of the research availability
of data and materials, ethical
considerations, and department or
unit where the research is to be
undertaken.
 Reminders in selecting appropriate
research topics:
A. Do not choose a research topic only
because it seems workable and feasible.
Also consider the nature of data that is
required of the research.
B. Have the means of data collection.
C. Consider your technical skills, capability,
and limitations.
D. Consider your interest and support
systems.
E. Do not get spellbound and
fascinated with the allure and
attraction of a topic without
considering the possible
consequences that the research may
bring about.
F. Study all possible angles. It will be
difficult to turn back when so much
effort, time, and resources have
already been expended.
 NARROWING DOWN A
RESEARCH TOPIC
Topic has to be narrowed down
to a specific one. One needs to
read further to find as many
information as possible
regarding the topic.
These reminders need to be
considered:
A. what is current and what is new;
B. recommendations of researchers
who have conducted similar studies;
C. what has already been studied;
and
D. New ways of gathering data