Guidelines in Choosing a Topic
Guidelines in Choosing a Topic
1. Availability of information
2. Limitations on the subject
3. Interest in the subject matter
4. Timeliness and relevance of
the topic
5. Personal resources
TOPICS TO BE AVOIDED
1. Controversial topics
2. Highly Technical Subjects
3. Hard to Investigate Subjects
4. Too broad Subjects
5. Too Narrow subject
6. Vague Subjects
SOURCES OF RESEARCH TOPICS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Mass media communication-television,
newspaper, ads, radio, film etc.
Books, internet, journals, government
publications.
Professional periodicals-specialized
periodicals in different fields
General Periodicals-Reader’s Digest, Time
Magazine, Women’s Magazine, etc.
Previous readings
Work Experience
Writing a Research Title
WHAT IS RESEARCH TITLE:
• The title summarizes the main idea or
Ideas of your study.
• A good title contains the fewest possible
words needed to adequately describe the
content and/ or purpose of your research
paper.
Importance of a Research Title
• The title is the most read part of a
research paper.
• It summarizes the main idea of your
study.
• It should be concise yet informative.
Characteristics of a Good Research Title
• Predicts the content of the research paper.
• Engages the reader’s interest.
• Reflects the tone of the study.
• Contains important keywords for easy
searchability.
Structure of an Effective Research Title
• Topic: Clearly state the subject of your
research.
• Method: Indicate the approach or technique
used.
• Sample: Mention the specific group analyzed.
• Results: Briefly highlight the main findings.
Examples of Research Titles
• Quantitative: 'The Effect of Study Time on
Exam Scores: A Quantitative Analysis of High
School Students'
• Qualitative (STEM Example): 'Exploring
Students’ Perceptions of Hands-on Laboratory
Experiments in Enhancing STEM Learning'
• Mixed-Methods: 'Assessing the Impact of
Online Learning on Student Performance: A
Comparative Study'
Common Research Title Formats
• 1. Declarative Titles: State the main findings or conclusions.
• Example: 'A Three-Month Coding Bootcamp Improves
Problem-Solving Skills in STEM Students'
• 2. Descriptive Titles: Describe the subject without revealing
conclusions.
• Example: 'The Role of Virtual Simulations in STEM Education'
• 3. Interrogative Titles: Introduce the subject in the form of a
question.
• Example: 'How Do STEM Students Perceive the Use of AI in
Learning?'
SMART Criteria for a Research Title
• Specific: Clearly defines the scope of research.
• Measurable: Indicates how research will be
assessed.
• Achievable: Realistic given available resources.
• Relevant: Addresses a significant issue in the field.
• Time-bound: If applicable, includes a time frame.
Tips for Writing a Research Title
• Keep it between 5-15 words (50-100
characters).
• Avoid unnecessary words and jargon.
• Use keywords to increase discoverability.
• Ensure clarity and conciseness.
Final Thoughts
• A well-crafted title enhances your research’s
visibility and impact.
• Take time to refine your title for clarity and
effectiveness.
• Follow best practices to ensure a strong first
impression.