The first and one of the most important steps for writing a research report and to get started with the learning curve on getting an advanced degree is the selection of research topic. The topic will decide the course that the entire thesis takes and also provide the guideline that your academic career will follow. It has to be something that interests, is academically relevant and also brings out a fresh perspective on the pursuing subject. The topic has to be doable and manageable within the anticipated timeline, available resources and external references available.
There are various institutes available which provides these services. They undertake thesis topic selection seriously and are adept at bringing out novel relevant topics for every research scholar, based on his interests, inputs provided and his/her background. They provide consultancy on the basis of the level of complexity required in understanding the topic and framing the research objectives.
There are few things that one needs to undergo and the below checklist can be helpful and handy:
• Brainstorming for ideas
• Choosing a topic which enables to understand literature
• Manageable Topic and availability of material
• Preparing a list of keywords
• Flexibility
• Answering a Focused Research Question
• Researching the topic adequately
• Formulating a thesis statement
Research needs to be narrow, focused and interesting. Brainstorming involves asking a few questions like a strong opinion on current affairs, solving a particular issue or problem. Writing down keywords of your research brings down clarity in your thought process. These keywords will help you in researching a wide range of databases and catalogs. Contextual things such as geography, culture, time frame, discipline, population group etc. can bring focus to your research. Flexibility brings in the ability to make modifications during the research process which is quintessential in bringing out a refined research. The length of the research paper needs to be kept in mind in order to focus on the objective of the paper to be published.
Start formulating a thesis statement for bringing purpose to your research. Statement will contain a couple of sentences that states precisely what is to be proven or answered or what will you like to inform the audience about your work.
For example, the below paragraph illustrates certain parameters of a research topic:
Idea : legalization of marijuana
Focused Research Question : What would be the effects of the legalization of marijuana on the terminally ill?
Thesis statement : Marijuana has many practical medical uses. Legalizing marijuana would positively affect terminally ill patients.
Keywords : Marijuana, cannabis, legalization, legalize, legal, therapeutic, medical
The topic should be the best suited to the author and so one must know preferences and interests before he can come up with a well defined thesis paper.