The best way to pick a topic is to have plenty of time to think about it very early on.
Begin thinking about the type of research you would like to do by asking yourself the questions below. Record topic ideas in a log or journal, making sure not to evaluate any ideas during the process. Remember, even seemingly silly ideas can lead you to relevant new topic areas and research questions. This process can be an invaluable way to recall ideas that you may forget as you progress through your program.
- What are your major interests within your discipline?
- What personal experiences have you had that were particularly significant or meaningful to you, as it relates to your discipline?
- What coursework did you take that you found most exciting?
- What theories and concepts are most interesting to you?
- Are there some ideas you have studied which you are curious about and would like to explore more?
- What are your career goals upon completion of your degree?
- What are the major issues or problems faced in your industry today?
- Have you read any interesting articles or books related to your discipline?
The next step is to start identifying keywords related to your potential topic ideas. Try to break down your topic or research question into 2-4 overall main ideas; these main ideas become simple keywords which “point the way” to research in that area.
