Research and Writing: Selecting the Topic

This blog is a response to the thinking activity assigned by Vaidehi Ma'am as part of our learning in Paper-209 Research Methodology, specifically from Chapter 1 on Research and Writing. In this blog, I will be discussing the topic assigned to both Gayatri and me by Ma'am from the book 'MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers - Seventh Edition.' The topic we received is 'Selecting the topic,' and I will be sharing my insights in this blog post.

Click on the link to view the spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1krZQjXGnotAvUAG4Xe5FPSXacoXlg_K0lc1YIibihqI/edit?usp=drive_web&authuser=0

You can access the book via this link: https://eclass.uoa.gr/modules/document/file.php/ISLL125/MLA+Handbook+for+Writers+of+Research+Papers.pdf

Unit-1 Research and Writing:-

'Topic:- Selecting the Topic'

 

These Chapter has two Subtitle:-

 

1. Freedom of Choice 

2. Finding an Appropriate Focus

I am going to write a gist of these topic here in this blog so, let's start.

Tips of Selecting the Topic?

Choosing an interesting research topic is your first challenge. Here are some tips: Choose a topic that you are interested in! The research process is more relevant if you care about your topic.

Narrow your topic to something manageable. If your topic is too broad, you will find too much information and not be able to focus.

Background reading can help you choose and limit the scope of your topic.

Review the guidelines on topic selection outlined in your assignment. Ask your professor for suggestions.

Refer to lecture notes and required texts to refresh your knowledge of the course and assignment.

Talk about research ideas with a friend. S/he may be able to help focus your topic by discussing issues that didn't occur to you at first.

Think of the who, what, when, where and why questions: 

WHY did you choose the topic? What interests you about it? Do you have an opinion about the issues involved?

WHO are the information providers on this topic? Who might publish information about it? Who is affected by the topic? Do you know of organizations or institutions affiliated with the topic?

WHAT are the major questions for this topic? Is there a debate about the topic? Are there a range of issues and viewpoints to consider?

WHERE is your topic important: at the local, national or international level? Are there specific places affected by the topic?

WHEN is/was your topic important? Is it a current event or an historical issue? Do you want to compare your topic by time periods?

Freedom of Choice:-

 

The amount of freedom students have in choosing research paper topics varies widely between courses and instructors. In discipline-specific courses, the instructor may provide a list of approved topics or require the paper to connect to course material. With a general requirement to relate the paper to the course, look over notes and readings for interesting angles to pursue, discussing possibilities with classmates and the instructor. Even with a set topic list, decisions still must be made regarding which specific aspects to explore and how to approach the topic. In writing courses, instructors may pose a broad issue for students to respond to based on their own interests and knowledge. With complete freedom, tapping into personal interests that can be researched in-depth is recommended, as are issues of public interest and debate. It is common for writing courses to require submitting chosen topics for the instructor's approval early on, to ensure appropriateness. If available, the campus writing center can provide useful guidance on selecting a strong research paper topic as well.

In essence, while topic selection freedom varies between courses, some key principles apply: leverage personal curiosity, connect topics clearly to course material, consider public debates, run ideas by the instructor and writing center, and ensure substantial depth and rigor in the chosen angle of investigation. Carefully choosing a fruitful research paper topic helps lay the foundation for success.

Finding an Appropriate Focus:-

When selecting a research paper topic, it is important to ensure the scope aligns with the assigned length and timeframe. An overly broad topic like "international politics" would be impossible to thoroughly address in a 10-page paper. It is recommended to start with a general area of interest and then narrow down to a more focused angle through contemplation and preliminary research. For example, one could start with "violence in media" and then narrow to "effects of cartoon violence on preschoolers." Specifying a particular aspect or lens helps delimit the topic. Background reading from reference works, articles, books, and online searches can aid in evaluating and refining topic ideas, while also revealing if enough material exists to support thorough research.

Even after settling on a viable topic, be open to revising your choice or approach as research progresses. Preliminary reading and investigation may uncover the need for modifications to produce a topic that can be fruitfully addressed within the scope of the assignment. Selecting an appropriate, focused research topic is an iterative process that often involves initial exploration, re-evaluation based on searches and reading, and refinements to arrive at an angle of inquiry that is interesting yet suitably narrow and delimited. Building in opportunities to revisit and reshape the topic as research gets underway can help land on a fruitful direction for in-depth study.

Here are some Concluding points of this Topic:-

• Give yourself plenty of time to think through and rethink your - choice of a topic.

• Look for a subject or an issue that will continue to engage you throughout research and writing.

• Consult library materials and other print and electronic information resources to refine the topic and to see if sufficient work has been done on the subject to make it a viable topic for the research paper. e Before settling on a final topic, make sure you understand the amount and depth of research required and the type and length of paper expected.

• If you encounter problems at any point in the project, do not hesitate to consult your instructor, whether to clarify the assignment or to get help in choosing, developing, or researching a topic or in preparing the paper. A campus writing center can be a useful resource.

Thank you for taking the time to visit this blog. I appreciate your engagement with the content. If you have any questions or thoughts, feel free to share. Once again, thank you for your time!