Introduction
The discussion will be framed on the strategies used to identify the research topic. You must select a research topic to form a strong foundation for your study. Exploring the research area characterizes the process of identifying a research topic.
Strategies for Identifying Relevant and Feasible Research Topics
The research topic should meet the study scope by aligning with the research objectives. One criterion or strategy researchers employ is identifying a topic that fits their research area. Conducting a comprehensive literature review is another strategy for determining a research topic. By reviewing literature, a researcher can identify gaps in the study or research (Pradana et al., 2023). This enables researchers to investigate the research topic further. Investigation of the research topic involves the identification of ideas that can be captured through the brainstorming process. These ideas are critical in identifying research topics that can be further narrowed down to subtopics for further analysis.
Another effective strategy is to use experts or professionals in the field of research. This category of people specializes in skills that can effectively provide insights into different research areas. As a researcher, you need to keep yourself updated with the latest information from recent articles, books, or journals. Furthermore, it is advisable to discuss with friends, which guarantees the sharing of ideas that lead to the identification of different perspectives that can be critical in the title of the research topic. The chosen topic must address a practical issue and have empirical relevance to the real world (Clark et al., 2021).
Another strategy is feasibility, whereby the researcher must have the required resources, such as data or funds. The availability of resources enables the researcher to carry out the study appropriately (Creswell & Creswell, 2018). A good topic should be tested empirically and provide extensive knowledge in the field of research.
Every researcher aims to have a topic that meets the research project’s goals, supports the study, and makes it easier to find research resources. Research topics can be researched from online platforms such as the University of South’s online library, or students can use the school’s library. To effectively explore research topics, researchers or students can use databases that offer a variety of materials, such as publications or articles, which guarantee further investigation. Another critical strategy is using a pilot study that enables the researcher to identify insights and limitations in the study (Williams-McBean, 2019). A pilot study is the most feasible criterion to test the viability of research ideas and topics.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the research process involves identifying a research topic, which is a critical step. Researchers use different strategies to identify a research topic, like conducting a literature review, searching for top trends or current issues, seeking feedback, or reflecting on individual interests. The research topic should meet study or project requirements and align with research interests. Selection of research topic, carrying out a feasibility test, such as a pilot test, considering critical aspects like practical relevance of the research topic, and considering future research to ensure your research is impactful and relevant.
References
Clark, T., Foster, L., Bryman, A., & Sloan, L. (2021). Bryman’s social research methods. Oxford University Press.
Creswell, J.W. & Creswell, J.D. (2018). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approach (5th ed.). Sage.
Pradana, M., Silvianita, A., Madiawati, P. N., Calandra, D., Lanzalonga, F., & Oppioli, M. (2023). A Guidance to systematic literature review to young researchers by Telkom University and the University of Turin. To Maega: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 6(2), 409-417. Web.
Williams-McBean, C. T. (2019). The value of a qualitative pilot study in a multi-phase mixed methods research. The Qualitative Report, 24(5), 1055–1064. Web.