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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic – 9 Steps

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Choosing a dissertation topic is really difficult.

When I had to choose dissertation topic I agonized for weeks.

And I’ve supervised over 50 students’ dissertations across undergraduate, masters and PhD levels. All of my students agonized over their topics, too.

So you’re not alone in your struggle.

The below tips for choosing a dissertation topic are the ones I wish I was given when I was in the process of looking for a suitable topic.

If only I’d known these points, I would have saved a lot of time and stress for myself. So if these tips only help one person out, I’ll be happy.

These tips really work for just about anybody. They’re particularly useful for undergraduate and Masters level students who are writing dissertations. But, I’m sure most doctoral students will also find these points relevant, too. Especially tips 1 – 3.

Here are my tips on how to choose a dissertation topic – I hope they come in handy, and good luck on your research journey!

Read Also: 25 Sociology Dissertation Ideas

1. It Doesn’t have to be Unique (Yet).

This is the one piece of advice I wish I had gotten when I was choosing my dissertation topic.

Many students feel like they need to find a unique topic that will blow their markers away.

I was this student.

I thought that I had to choose a topic and idea that was going to make a unique contribution to knowledge. I thought I had to discover something, or, at the very least, choose a topic that no one has ever done before.

So here’s what I wish someone had told me:

It doesn’t matter if other people have done the same topic as you.

Don’t even let it phase you for a moment if someone else has chosen your topic. Just choose whatever topic you want.

Well, because your unique contribution doesn’t come at the start. It comes at the end!

You’ll find a way to make a unique contribution after you have completed your literature review . There is always time and space to find a new angle or different way of doing the topic than other people.

So, don’t choose your topic because it’s unique or different.

Then … how should you choose your topic? Points 2 and 3 give you some tips…

2. Make it Relevant to your Career Goals.

The first thing I recommend to all my students is to consider how their topic can help progress their careers.

When giving guidance to my students, I ask them these three questions:

• a) What sort of specialization do you want in your career? If you’re studying teaching, your questions might be: do you want to be a specialized literacy teacher? do you want to be an expert on behavior management? Do you want to be specialized in play-based learning ?
• b) How do you want to differentiate yourself from your competition? Your dissertation topic is going to be the topic you ‘sell’ as your area of expertise in future job interviews. If you want to get a great job, choose a topic that really stands out in the marketplace. Have a think right now for yourself: what areas of your industry are booming? For example, would it be better to specialize in coal or solar panels? Which one would be best to talk about in a job interview in the 21 st Century?
• c) Do you want to be a research pro? Most of my students don’t want to be researchers as a career. They do their dissertations to prove mastery of their topic – that’s all. The research is a means to an end. But, if you think you want to go on to do the next level degree (a PhD one day?) then you’ll want to focus on having a high quality methodology, not just an interesting topic.

So, have a think now: is there a topic that will help you get to where you plan on going? What expert knowledge do you want to be able to ‘sell’ in a future interview?

3. Ensure it’s Interesting to You.

You’re going to be wedded to your chosen for a long time. And by the end of this journey you’re going to hate it.

To make your life easier, choose a topic you’re interested in.

Here’s two ways of approaching this:

Choose a Topic you Think About a Lot.

Choose a dissertation topic that you find yourself talking about, complaining about or raving about to your parents. Choose something that makes you angry, inspired or intrigued.

For the next week or so, I recommend taking notes whenever you find yourself thinking idly about something. Is that something you’ve thought about a lot?

Or, Choose a Topic by Looking over Past Assessment Tasks.

Another way of approaching the search for an interesting topic is to look over past assignments.

What assessment task have you done in the past few years that gripped you? Which one did you enjoy the most when you were studying it?

Zoom in on that topic and see if you can turn it into a dissertation.

Bonus tip: If you found a topic that was based on a previous assessment task, see if you can convince the person who taught that subject to be your dissertation supervisor.

4. Keep it Simple.

Too often, students want to choose a topic that is complex and complicated. They come up with a long, detailed research question (usually with the help of their professor) that, really, is hard to understand!

The best strategy is to come up with a topic that is really, really straightforward. At least, the topic should start as simple and straightforward.

Your topic is going to grow and expand into a monster. It’ll be hard to tame and control. You’ll be following random tangents down rabbit holes that end up being dead-ends. You’ll research aspects of the topic and realize it was a completely pointless exercise.

The way to minimize the crazy growth of your research project is to simplify it right from the start. Make it a really simple idea.

For example, I had a student who wanted to research:

“How big is the gap in mathematics outcomes between children from middle-class and working-class backgrounds by age 16?”

I would think that this topic may be achievable by a top academic with a sizeable research grant, but my student was completing a 10,000 word dissertation for graduating her Bachelor of Arts with Honours.

After several agonizing research meetings, we peeled it back over and again until we ended up with something much simpler and more specific:

“What are teachers’ opinions of the impact of poverty on learning?”

Why is this simpler and more specific?

Well, with the second study, my student has a clear focus group (teachers) and an achievable methodology (interviews). This will be far simpler than somehow conducting tests on 16-year old children, getting a significant amount of children to participate in the study, and then dissecting their mathematics test results by income level.

Instead, we aimed small and simple to ensure the task itself was achievable.

We’re not here to win a Nobel prize. You can do that with your multi-million-dollar post-doctoral research grant. Get your degree first.

5. Ensure it’s Achievable.

This piece of advice builds on the previous advice, to “keep it simple”.

Keeping it simple means making sure you have a clear, small-scale focus.

Esuring the project is achievable means choosing a methodology that won’t break you.

Small Scale Qualitative Studies are Achievable for Anyone

I always suggest to my Undergraduate and Masters level students to aim for a small scale study with no more than 20 research participants.

Now, I know there will be many of you out there who want to do quantitative research studies. And in reality, you can do a quantitative study with a small group of students. These usually involve quantitative action research case studies.

If you’re set on a quantitative study, that’s fine. But find a supervisor with the right experience.

Personally, I usually recommend a qualitative focus group analysis for anyone doing their first dissertation.

The biggest mistake you can make is biting off more than you can chew.

Small scale qualitative studies are the easiest option . They can be achieved within your time frame. And you can certainly still get a very high grade.

So, let’s take the example of the previous research question, which we changed from:

For the first study, you will have to develop skills in quantitative data analysis , find a sizeable cohort of students, get permission from their parents, get special permission to study children you’re your university ethics committee, develop a quality testing mechanism, pilot the test, conduct the test, analyze the data, then interpret it.

For the second study, you will not have to develop complex mathematical skills, bother with getting permission to research children, or deal with the rigor of quantitative analysis.

In other words, you will be able to bypass many hurdles you may face.

That’s the benefit of a small-scale qualitative study. It’s a nice easy first dissertation methodology. You can do it and do it well.

I know my position is controversial, but hey … I’m here to tell you how to avoid problems, not to stand on a soapbox.

Consider Textual Analysis, Semiotic Analysis or Secondary Research

Finding people to interview, survey or participate in your study in any way at all can be intimidating.

I find it interesting and really fulfilling. But I understand if you think it’s too much for you at this point in time.

If you don’t want to have to go out and find research participants for your study, I recommend one of these types of study:

• Textual Analysis : you can look at policy documents or newspaper articles and analyze their ideological positioning , for example;
• Semiotic Analysis : The quintessential semiotic analysis is the analysis of advertising images or movies and the examination of the ways they depict people of different races, social classes or genders;
• Secondary Research: Look over other people’s research and try to identify themes across a range of research studies.

Now, these three different methodologies are far outside of the scope of this discussion, but consult with your dissertation supervisor if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of conducting research with real human beings. One of these three methodologies may help you bypass that process, and make the dissertation feel more achievable for you.

6. Search Online for Inspiration

If you’re still struggling to choose a dissertation topic,  go online to get inspiration!

There’s a few ways you can do this. Here’s a few good ones:

a) Google Previous Dissertation Topics

Many universities upload their students’ dissertations onto an online repository. This means there are a ton of open, free to access databases of previous students’ dissertations all over the internet.

Simply google “Dissertation” + “pdf” + a topic you’re interested in. If you’re a masters student, you can do “masters dissertation” + “pdf” + the topic; and if you’re an undegrad, then simply do “undergraduate dissertation” + “pdf” + the topic;. Simple!

Up will pop a ton of dissertations that you can instantly download to check out previous students’ successful dissertation topics.

Another benefit of doing this is that you’ll be able to view and model the structure that previous students have used as well. This can be super beneficial for you early on!

b) Look at Recent Articles Published in Journals focused on your Topic

If you scroll through the recent issues of journals in your topic, you’ll find a range of research topic ideas.

To get access to top journals in your topic, simply google “Scholarly Journal” + your topic. For example, I am a professor in education. So I’d google “Scholarly journal” + “Education”.

The homepages for a ton of journals will pop up in the Google search. Quickly scan through the recent issues of those journals to see if any ideas will pop up that interest you!

c) If you’re Studying Education or Teaching, Check Here

Lastly, a quick plug for another post I’ve written for dissertation students:

• 51+ Dissertation Ideas for Education students .

Go check that out if you want to write a dissertation on the ‘education’ topic.

7. Trust your Dissertation Supervisor

Your dissertation supervisor will have walked many students just like you through the research process before.

Look, I know many dissertation supervisors can be disappointingly aloof and disconnected from your research. And relationships can get very frosty with your supervisors indeed.

Trust your supervisor. They make recommendations for a reason. They know how to navigate the dissertation writing process. If your supervisor makes a recommendation, strong – very strongly – consider it.

Your supervisor also has expertise in one area of research or another. Take advantage of their expertise. Be flexible and let them sway you down certain paths. You need a knowledgeable partner in the research process.

So, trust your supervisor. You need their expertise more than you know.

8. Come up with 3-5 Ideas and Bring them to your Supervisor for Feedback

Your initial dissertation topic ideas will probably need a lot of refinement.

The person who will help you to refine your topic will be your dissertation supervisor. Their main job, unfortunately, is to curb your enthusiasm. It’s to show you what problems you’ll face if you follow certain paths and recommend alterations to ensure your topic is achievable.

So, approach your supervisor with your 3-5 top ideas and watch them do their magic. They should advise you on how to turn your ideas into reality.

Your ideas can be specific or broad – really, it doesn’t matter because you’ll walk out of your supervision meeting with a lot of changed ideas. It doesn’t need to be set in stone.

You could, for example, go up to your supervisor and say something like:

• “I’m interested in Erikson’s theory of development. Do you have any suggestions of how I can use Erikson’s ideas for a dissertation?”
• “I’m really into conservative politics. What ideas do you have for an achievable topic?”
• Any other ideas…

They’ll help you shape and mold your topic into something achievable.

9. Lastly, Stick to your Choice

When I did my dissertation, I questioned my topic daily: I’d always be thinking up new, better ideas for my dissertation!

But once you’re locked in, it’s hard to change your mind. You’re going to get ethics permission to conduct your study, not anyone else’s!

So, my advice is simple:

Once you’ve chosen your topic, commit.

If you’re desperate to do another topic, fine, do another degree. If you’re doing your Master’s right now, bank those other ideas for a potential PhD down the track.

But once you’ve made your choice, really … you’ve got to commit, block out all your regrets and dig in.

Don’t worry about your friends who chose a dissertation topic that is better than yours. Stay in your lane, be content with your topic, and create a great product.

Writing a dissertation is an exercise in being practical more than anything. That start from the very first choice: choosing a dissertation topic that’s achievable and good for your career, and will also put you on the path for top marks.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 19 Top Cognitive Psychology Theories (Explained)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 119 Bloom’s Taxonomy Examples
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ All 6 Levels of Understanding (on Bloom’s Taxonomy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd/ 15 Self-Actualization Examples (Maslow's Hierarchy)

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on November 11, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 20, 2023.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

• Your institution and department’s requirements
• Your areas of knowledge and interest
• The scientific, social, or practical relevance
• The availability of data and resources
• The timeframe of your dissertation
• The relevance of your topic

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

Table of contents

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about dissertation topics.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

• Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
• When is the deadline?
• Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
• Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

• Twentieth-century literature
• Economic history
• Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

• Twentieth-century literature   Twentieth-century Irish literature   Post-war Irish poetry
• Economic history   European economic history   German labor union history
• Health policy   Reproductive health policy   Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas — there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

• Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
• Analyzing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
• Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
• Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyze public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalize your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, socially or practically relevant to your field.

• Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
• Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
• Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic: Complete Guide with Steps

Updated 04 Apr 2024

Kicking off your dissertation planning is like getting ready for a long-distance run. It takes a lot of careful planning, detailed preparation, and a clear goal in mind. The journey of creating a dissertation isn't just about showing off what you know; it's also your chance to make a meaningful mark in your study area. At the heart of this big academic project is picking the right topic, which guides your research path and is essential to your involvement and success in this intense scholarly challenge.

Why Picking the Right Topic Matters

Choosing your dissertation topic is the very first and most crucial step. This choice affects how motivated you feel, the direction your research takes, and how doable your project is within your time frame. A good topic is something you're really into and matches what you're good at, keeping you interested and excited about your research. It also prepares you for future work and study opportunities, helping shape your professional identity. Plus, picking a topic that's both interesting to the world and important academically can push your whole field forward, showing just how crucial this first step is.

The Steps to Plan Your Dissertation

Planning your dissertation happens in several key stages, each needing your full attention and effort. After finding the right topic, you must get to grips with your department's specific dissertation rules. This makes sure your research fits what's expected. Then, you explore different research areas, spotting gaps in existing studies and narrowing them down to a specific interest area. A deep dive into your chosen topic helps you fine-tune your focus, determine your research questions, and decide on the best study methods.

The following steps include:

• Checking if your research is doable.
• Looking at available resources.
• Thinking about how your work could make a difference.

Getting advice and the green light from your advisors and peers is also vital. With a solid plan ready, you can start the research and writing, knowing exactly where you're headed and supported by a community of scholars. Starting your dissertation is a big deal, but with the right approach and support, it's a journey that can lead to outstanding achievements.

Getting a Grip on Dissertation Requirements

Getting clear on dissertation requirements is like a captain planning their course before setting sail. It's about thoroughly understanding what your school and department expect for your dissertation and making sure your research journey follows the right path and meets academic standards. This step is crucial for pointing your dissertation in the right direction and ensuring it crosses the finish line successfully and gets recognized by the academic world.

Why It's Key to Check Academic and Departmental Rules

The rules set by your school and department act like a map for your dissertation, showing you how to format it, what content to include, how to approach your research, and how to handle ethical issues. These guidelines ensure all dissertations are up to par, maintaining a high standard of work. If you don't stick to these rules, you might have to make significant changes to your dissertation or, worst case, have it rejected.

Reviewing these guidelines early on helps you understand the complete picture of what your dissertation should look like, shapes your research question and methods, and makes you aware of any need for ethical approval. It also tells you what your academic community values and expects from your research.

Choosing Your Topic Wisely

Picking a dissertation topic isn't just about following what interests you; it's also about ensuring your topic fits within your department's rules. This includes thinking about what resources you have, what methods you can use for gathering data, and what kind of research you can realistically do in the time you have.

You should tweak your research question to fit your department's focus better or ensure your methods are ethically sound. Or, pick a topic that adds to the existing research in a way that your academic community values. For instance, if your department likes interdisciplinary studies, a topic that connects different fields could work well. Or, if there's a specific research method your department prefers, make sure your subject can be explored using that method.

Diving Into Research Fields for Your Dissertation

Exploring research fields is a vital part of planning your dissertation, where your curiosity gets to shine as you dig into critical analysis. This step is all about spreading your net wide to find interesting broad topics and then narrowing down to specific areas by looking at what's currently being researched and where there are gaps in knowledge. It's like setting off on an adventure, mapping out what's known, and spotting the uncharted areas.

Find Your Broad Interests

Your exploration starts with pinpointing the broad topics that interest you and match your academic and personal passions. Being passionate about your topic is crucial for keeping up the momentum of your research. Reflect on the subjects that have caught your attention in your classes, readings, or professional life. Here are some ways to expand and refine your interests:

• Read Scholarly Journals: Dive into the latest issues of top journals in your field. Editorials and review articles are great for spotting emerging trends and debates.
• Go to Academic Conferences: These gatherings are excellent for discovering new ideas and connecting with other researchers. You'll get a sense of your field's cutting-edge work and popular topics.
• Use Digital Libraries and Databases: These tools can help you track how specific themes have developed over time and pinpoint critical works and authors.
• Talk to Mentors: Chatting with professors or seasoned researchers can offer insights into promising research areas. Their experience can steer you towards topics that are both interesting and manageable.

Zeroing in on Specifics

After finding a broad area that excites you, it's time to focus by looking at the latest research trends and spotting gaps in the existing literature. This involves a lot of reading and critical thinking to determine where you can add new insights.

• Do a Literature Review: Get a solid overview of what's currently happening in your field. Look for common themes, methods, and findings. The discussion sections in recent papers can be goldmines for suggestions on future research areas.
• Spot the Gaps: Look for unanswered questions, overlooked populations, or unused methods. New societal challenges, tech advancements, or shifts in theory can also create research gaps.
• Check the Importance: Make sure the gaps you find are meaningful and that filling them would push your field forward. Consider how your research could have real-world applications or feed into bigger academic or societal discussions.
• Predict Trends: Try to see where your field is heading. Spotting where current trends are leading can help you position your research right at the cutting edge.

Diving into research fields isn't just about finding a niche; it's about figuring out where you can make a real impact. This journey of discovery, analysis, and reflection is vital for picking a dissertation topic that's both personally rewarding and valuable to the academic world. Keep an open mind, be ready to adjust your thinking, and critically assess the existing literature as you go.

This exploration lays the groundwork for your dissertation, letting you match your academic interests with what you're passionate about and find a unique angle that adds to the broader academic dialogue. If you're looking for more direction in this complex process and want to ensure your research hits the mark, getting professional advice can be a big help.

Fine-Tuning Your Dissertation Topic

Narrowing down your dissertation topic from broad ideas to a specific, researchable question is crucial in planning your dissertation. This phase is about finding the right balance between being ambitious and realistic, ensuring your topic is exciting and doable given your time, resources, and academic guidelines. To refine your topic, you must set clear criteria to help focus your broad ideas on a sharp, manageable topic.

How to Narrow Down Your Ideas?

When turning broad interests into a precise research question, keep these points in mind:

• Match Your Interests: Pick a topic that grabs you. This keeps you motivated throughout your research.
• Be Original and Relevant: Look for topics that add something new to your field or have real-world applications. This makes your research more impactful.
• Define Your Scope: A specific topic with clear limits is easier to manage and allows for deeper analysis than a vague, broad one. Being specific helps you stay focused and guides your research methods.
• Fill a Gap: Aim for a topic that addresses something yet to be fully explored in existing research. A thorough review of current studies will show you where these gaps are.
• Think About Methods: Make sure you can realistically carry out the research your topic requires, considering your skills, resources, and data access.

Make Sure Your Topic is Specific and Doable

After narrowing down your ideas, ensure your topic is both specific enough to be clear and feasible to complete:

• Set Clear Research Questions: Boil your topic down to one or more precise, focused questions that you can tackle within a dissertation's scope.
• Check Resource Availability: Look at what resources you'll need and ensure you can access them. Be ready to adjust your plan if resources are limited, or if you’ll be able to reach the targeted dissertation length .
• Consider Time and Logistics: Be honest about how much time your research will take and consider any potential hurdles, including any permissions or ethical approvals you might need.
• Plan Your Methods: Draft a basic plan for your research approach, deciding between qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. This plan should fit your questions and be realistic for your situation.
• Get Feedback: Early advice from advisors and peers can help fine-tune your topic, research questions, and methods.

Refining your topic is a process that might take a few tries. The aim is to end up with a question that's both intellectually stimulating and practically possible to answer. This careful planning sets you up for a dissertation that's a valuable addition to your field and a rewarding part of your academic path.

Remember, getting your topic right is crucial for a successful dissertation. It prepares you for focused, achievable, and meaningful research. If you need more help refining your topic to meet academic standards, don't hesitate to seek professional advice.

Does Your Dissertation Topic Matter?

Checking if your dissertation topic is significant and relevant is vital to the research journey. It's about ensuring your work adds something valuable to your field and fits what you want to achieve personally and professionally. This step examines two main areas: how your research might impact your academic discipline and how it aligns with your goals. The aim is to pick a project that's both impactful in your field and rewarding for you.

Impact on Your Field

To figure out if your topic will make waves in your field, think about the following:

• Filling a Gap: Is your research plugging a hole in existing studies? Look for topics that bring fresh dissertation ideas , new theories, or solid data that could shake up current thinking.
• Improving Methods: Could your research introduce better ways to explore questions in your field?
• Practical Use: Think about whether your findings could change policies, improve practices, or solve specific problems in the real world.
• Building Theories: See if your work could help build or tweak the prominent theories that guide your field.
• Crossing Fields: Consider if your research could interest people in other areas of study, encouraging collaboration and bringing new insights.

Matching Your Goals

It's just as crucial that your topic resonates with your personal and career ambitions:

• Skill Building: Pick a topic that helps you get or polish skills necessary for your future job, like problem-solving, technical know-how, or critical thinking.
• Networking: Choose research that connects you with key people or groups in your future career.
• Getting Published: Look for topics that could lead to articles in respected journals, raising your profile and contributing to your field.
• Academic Opportunities: If academia is your goal, ensure your topic could open doors to further research roles or teaching positions.
• Passion: Above all, your dissertation should be something you're really into. Genuine interest keeps you motivated through the challenging parts of research and writing.

By carefully weighing your topic's potential impact and how well it fits your aims, you ensure your dissertation is an extensive academic exercise and a meaningful step forward in your career. This thoughtful approach to choosing your topic lays the groundwork for a research project that's both valuable to your field and deeply satisfying for you.

Remember, picking a significant and relevant topic is crucial for a successful dissertation. If you're seeking more advice on choosing the right research topic and making sure it hits all the right notes academically, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

Check If Your Dissertation Can Be Done

Making sure your dissertation is doable, in terms of both resources and time, is a vital part of planning your project. This step is about making sure your big ideas can happen in the real world, given the limits you're working with. It's about looking closely at what data and tools you'll need, determining if you can get them, and planning out how much time everything will take and how you'll deal with any logistical issues.

Can You Get What You Need?

The foundation of your research is whether you can access the data and resources you need. This could mean anything from historical records and data sets to specific software or equipment. Start by listing everything you'll need and then check if you can get it. Are there archives or databases you need permission to access? Do you need special equipment? If something's hard to get, think about other ways to get the information you need or if you need to tweak your methods.

Also, think about money. Will you have to pay for these resources, like traveling for research or buying software? You might need to look for funding or grants to help cover these costs, so it's good to figure this out early.

Time and Logistics

Planning how much time your dissertation will take is just as important. Break down your project into steps and estimate how long each part will take. Remember to add extra time as a buffer for unexpected delays, especially if you're juggling this with other responsibilities like work or teaching.

Logistics are another big piece of the puzzle. This includes everything from traveling for research to getting approval for studies involving people. You might also need to work with other researchers or institutions, so planning for these things is crucial to keep your project on track.

By doing this thorough check on feasibility and resources, you're trying to spot any potential roadblocks early on and figure out how to deal with them. This might mean changing your research question, finding different methods, or seeking more support. The goal is to map out a realistic plan for your dissertation that you can follow through on, setting yourself up for a successful and meaningful project.

Remember, making sure your dissertation is feasible is crucial, not just for academic reasons but to ensure you can finish it. If you need more help planning and carrying out your research, don't hesitate to contact experts who can offer advice tailored to your situation.

Feedback and Approval

The feedback and approval phase is a critical stage in the dissertation journey as a bridge between the initial planning and the start of your research. This phase involves seeking valuable feedback from advisors and peers, refining your proposal based on their input, and ultimately gaining formal approval to proceed with your project. Engaging with experienced academics and your peers at this stage can provide diverse perspectives that enhance the quality and feasibility of your dissertation.

Seeking Input from Advisors and Peers: The process of seeking feedback should be approached with openness and a willingness to consider constructive criticism. With their depth of experience and knowledge, your dissertation advisor can offer crucial insights into the scope, dissertation methodology , and significance of your research. They can identify potential weaknesses or gaps in your proposal that you might have yet to notice and suggest ways to strengthen your research plan. Discussing your project with peers provides a different but equally valuable perspective. Your peers can offer feedback on your proposal's clarity and coherence and share their experiences and strategies for overcoming research challenges.

It is beneficial to seek feedback from diverse individuals, including faculty members who may not be directly involved in your research but have expertise in related areas. This broader input can help ensure your dissertation addresses a wide audience and meets the highest academic standards.

Final thoughts

In planning your dissertation, we've gone through some critical steps to lay a strong foundation for your research project. We started by discussing how crucial it is to choose the right topic for your dissertation. This means picking something that interests you and is academically rigorous so your research has a clear direction. Then, we looked at what your dissertation needs to include, ensuring it meets all the academic and department standards to be valid and relevant.

Next, we explored different research areas to find what interests you and where there are gaps in current research. This helps set the stage for your research to be new and impactful. We also discussed narrowing down your topic to make it more specific and doable. Choosing the correct research method is a big step, ensuring you use the best approach to answer your research questions.

We also looked at how important it is to understand the significance of your topic and how it fits into your personal and career goals. Checking if your research is practical and doable is also vital, considering data availability and resources. Finally, we discussed the importance of getting feedback and approval from advisors and peers to refine your research proposal and get it formally accepted.

Starting a dissertation is a big challenge that tests your curiosity, determination, and academic skills. But it's also an enriching journey where you can contribute new knowledge to your field, improve your research skills, and set the stage for your future career. Remember, every dissertation is a unique journey, and though it might seem harsh, it's a chance to grow personally and academically.

As you go forward, remember that every challenge you face is a chance to become a better researcher. Stay resilient, keep an open mind, and know that each step of the dissertation process is a chance to learn and do well. Remember, you're not alone in this journey: contact mentors, peers, and professionals who can support, motivate, and help with dissertation editing .

Ultimately, let your dissertation journey show your dedication to your field, commitment to doing great scholarly work, and love for discovering new things. With careful planning, curiosity, and the support of your academic community, you're ready to take on this challenge and come out with a piece of work that's both a personal success and a valuable addition to your field.

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Seasoned academic writer, nurturing students' writing skills. Expert in citation and plagiarism. Contributing to EduBirdie since 2019. Aspiring author and dedicated volunteer. You will never have to worry about plagiarism as I write essays 100% from scratch. Vast experience in English, History, Ethics, and more.

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic

Published by Jamie Walker at August 16th, 2021 , Revised On April 19, 2024

The dissertation is one of the most testing academic assignments for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students. When writing a dissertation , you are expected to answer a particular  research question  and derive findings that can have implications for future research.

Nevertheless, writing can be a daunting task because dissertations are complex academic documents with intricate rules. Particularly, students need to select a good dissertation topic.

However, the prospect of selecting the appropriate topic can be overwhelming because many lack experience  writing dissertations .  In other cases, students might have limited time for writing as they have to manage their personal and professional needs.

Here we bring to you important guidelines that can facilitate if you are unsure how to choose a dissertation topic that is interesting, relevant, and manageable.

Step 1. Assess the Course Requirements

If you have just started to look for a topic, you might be wondering how I chose a dissertation topic that could leave a lasting impression on my supervisor and help me score a high academic grade.

It is important to note that each course has specific requirements or terms and conditions that guide students to determine the dissertation topic that best suits their needs.  The nature and suitability of your chosen dissertation topic are dependent on the academic course being studied.

For example, you might have wanted to know how to choose a thesis topic for a master’s or how to choose a thesis topic for an undergraduate course but overlooked your course requirements.

It is vitally important to look into your course requirements before narrowing down the topics instead of being caught up in confusion.

Your department’s dissertation writing requirements , in some cases, can be very extended and perplexing; specifying the minimum and maximum word count, outline the  list of possible topics , and identify the methodological requirements.

On the other hand, the prerequisites might be very limiting and unclear, with only the deadline and word count requirements being specified. No matter the requirements, it is essential to check with the course coordinator if students are unsure about choosing a topic for the dissertation.

ORDER FREE DISSERTATION TOPIC

Step 2. Select an Extensive Field

A prudent practise is to evaluate topics that are interesting for students in their courses. For instance, students can select a familiar topic that guides them during research. It is relatively easy to start research with known topics since you will not have to write from the beginning.

One way to find a topic is to search how to choose a dissertation topic on Google . There is no need to have advanced knowledge about the topic since basic information can guide students to investigate the topic further and narrow it down to something relevant, valuable, and manageable.

At ResearchProspect, we have created hundreds of topics for undergraduate, Masters and Ph.D. students. Please click here to find your topic in our free dissertation topics database, no matter the academic subject. We are the only company in the UK that provides free topics along with an aim and justification to help you get started.

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Step 3. Search Relevant Academic Literature

This is another important aspect of how to choose a dissertation topic. Students should find reliable and credible books, online dissertation topics databases, and articles to explore possible topics.

Highly rated journals frequently publish articles that introduce readers to new research on any topic. One way of choosing a dissertation topic is to use  Google Scholar , which is a good resource for finding relevant journals for any subject.

It includes abstracts  of relevant research that can inspire students to select their dissertation topic. Many universities have online libraries that students can access to find information about their specific subjects.

For example, students might want to know how to  choose a dissertation topic in English literature . The above methods can assist them in the research process.  While reading different books and articles, students should make notes about ideas that can be used to create a list of possible topics.

Also Read: What is Research Problem in Dissertation?

Step 4: Narrow Topic to Niche

Now that you have already completed the preliminary research, the next step would be to evaluate every topic and scrap the ones that are either too broad or too narrow.

The key to choosing a great dissertation topic is to identify a niche that still needs more research or a topic that is still debatable among researchers. You can investigate contemporary issues that have an impact on humans and society.

An example of a niche topic is “Social media strategies for business organizations”.

Another example would be “Identification of barriers that act as obstacles towards the popularity of sustainable architecture”.

Whatever the specific niche, it is crucial that adequate information on the topic is available because of the need to provide a robust theoretical basis for the dissertation.  Develop a research problem statement  and research questions to further narrow the topic.

Here are some ideas for you to consider;

Identify the time needed to study the academic sources on the topic.

If the list of sources is extensive then it might be necessary to narrow the topic even further.

If you are unable to perform primary research, make sure there is adequate information to complete the objectives of your descriptive dissertation.

Step 5. Evaluate the Best Research Approach when Choosing Topic

Select the research method that is most suitable for your dissertation and meets your degree programme. This is an important stage of choosing a dissertation topic, but there is no need to panic.

The two methods of research employed in academic research are known as primary research and secondary research . It is recommended that students evaluate artefacts or examine various theoretical approaches.

For example, if you have chosen  a dissertation topic in education , then you might decide to base your dissertation on primary research because primary research would enable you to address a research problem that is of critical importance to the education industry by filling an obvious gap in knowledge.

On the other hand, if you are testing a hypothesis and you find out that there is sufficient literature already available on the subject, then you could base your dissertation purely on secondary data.

However, dissertations can include one or multiple approaches to research. You should consult with your mentors about the best research method, especially when unsure about how to choose a dissertation topic for a PhD level assignment .

Primary research can be costly and time-consuming, while secondary research is cost-effective and saves time. Selecting the right approach is dependent on the resources and time available to students.

Here are the most notable advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary research. 

Step 6. Demonstrate the Relevance of Topic

Perhaps the most important step is to ensure the topic is relevant to your field of study. Your topic should be academically relevant and aim to fill a gap in existing knowledge or provide new insights into the field.

It should also be socially relevant as the results should promote social change and contribute towards an understanding of society.

Finally, it must be practically relevant by contributing towards problem-solving or improving quality of life. A relevant topic should be interlinked with contemporary subjects, debates, and topics. The research problem  can be used to demonstrate the relevance of the topic.

For example, if you are stuck on how to choose a dissertation topic for a master’s course, a master’s dissertation on strategic human resource management could identify the implications of the research for modern firms and their HR practices.

Similarly, if you are doing all this research to choose a doctoral dissertation topic, a doctoral dissertation on a political science topic could assess the implications for policymakers.

Step 7. Submit the Topic to Committee

Once you have selected a topic, and are ready to proceed, submit the topic with a brief description to the program supervisor or coordinator. Once approved, a  dissertation research proposal  will be needed as the next step.

If your supervisor doesn’t approve of your chosen topic, there is still no need to panic. You can follow the same steps on how to choose a dissertation topic and send them more suggestions.

Each of the steps described in this article is part of a gradual and systematic process that will assist students in how to choose a dissertation topic. It is important to use planning and preparation because the result of your dissertation project, to some extent, will depend on your chosen topic.

At ResearchProspect, we have created hundreds of free topic suggestions for students. Whether you are an undergraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. student, you can find an interesting, relevant, suitable, and manageable topic for your research in our free dissertation topics library .

Our dissertation writers can also provide you with  free custom topic ideas and a plan/outline  on your chosen topic to help you get your topic and plan of research approved by your supervisor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does your dissertation topic matter.

Yes, your dissertation topic matters significantly. It shapes your research, impacts your engagement, and influences your academic and career path. A well-chosen topic aligns with your interests, contributes to your field, and enhances your overall learning experience.

How to choose a dissertation topic?

• Assess the course requirements
• Select an extensive field 
• Search relevant academic literature 
• Narrow topic to the niche 
• Demonstrate the relevance of your topic
• Submit topic to the committee’

Can I change my dissertation topic?

Yes, you can change your dissertation topic, but the process varies by institution and department. Consult with your advisor and review departmental guidelines. Changing topics may require additional time, research, and resources, so weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a final decision. Always prioritise your academic and research interests.

How to choose a dissertation topic for an undergraduate?

Identify your interests within your field. Explore coursework, readings, and discussions that intrigued you. Conduct preliminary research to gauge existing literature. Discuss potential topics with professors or advisors. Ensure feasibility in terms of data, resources, and time. Opt for a unique angle but remain within the scope of undergraduate expectations.

How many words is a dissertation title?

A dissertation title’s length varies, but it is typically concise. Most titles range between 10 and 15 words. The aim is to be descriptive and clear while capturing the essence of the research. It should give readers an immediate understanding of the topic without being overly lengthy or ambiguous. Always follow institutional guidelines.

Does a dissertation need a title?

Yes, a dissertation needs a title. The title succinctly conveys the essence of the research and provides a first impression to readers. It helps in identifying the work’s main theme and acts as a reference point for scholars, researchers, and anyone engaging with the dissertation. A clear, relevant title is crucial.

Can you do a dissertation on an existing topic?

Yes, dissertations often explore existing topics by offering new insights, methodologies, or perspectives. However, it’s essential to ensure your contribution is original, either by adding new data, analysing existing data differently, or proposing novel interpretations. You can add a new mediator or moderator to ensure originality. Acknowledging existing literature and building upon it is integral to scholarly research. 

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Choosing the right dissertation topic is pivotal in our academic and career paths. Your dissertation topic should capture your interest, meet academic requirements, and contribute to your field of study. Whether you’re just starting to think about your dissertation or trying to refine your ideas, this guide is designed to help you in choosing a perfect dissertation topic.

Let our professional editors refine your dissertation! Learn more

Without further ado, let’s see how to find a dissertation topic:

How to choose a dissertation topic

The following steps will help you select a dissertation topic that resonates with you and will be interesting to work on!

1. Understand your interests and strengths

Take some time to think about what you’re passionate about academically and where you excel. What topics have caught your eye during your studies or previous research? A dissertation is a long-term engagement, and genuine interest in your topic can be a great motivator when challenges arise. 

• Reflect on past courses and projects: Review your coursework and past research. Identify patterns in your interests and consider how these can evolve into a dissertation topic.
• Write down ideas: Keep a journal or digital note of ideas as they come to you over days or weeks. This can help you see which topics consistently engage your interest.

2. Research existing literature

Before you settle on a topic, it’s important to see what research has already been done in your field. Do a deep dive into the existing literature to see what gaps your dissertation could fill. Use academic resources , databases, journals , and books to get a good background on your potential topic.

• Utilize academic databases: Make extensive use of databases like JSTOR, PubMed, and Google Scholar to access existing research.
• Create an annotated bibliography : As you review the literature , summarize key points and how they might relate to your potential topic. This will be invaluable as you narrow down your topic.

3. Define the specifics of your problem statement

Once you have a broad understanding of your area of interest and have reviewed the existing literature, it’s time to articulate the specifics of your problem statement. This step is critical as it forms the backbone of your dissertation.

• Narrow your focus: Use the issues identified to narrow down your topic to a specific problem that is manageable and significant. The specificity will help in focusing your research and discussions.
• Draft a preliminary problem statement: Write a clear and concise statement that describes the problem your research intends to address. This should indicate the scope, aim, and rationale of your study.

4. Consider the scope and resources available

One common mistake is picking a topic that’s either too broad or too narrow. Consider how much ground your topic covers and if you have the time and sources to do it justice. This includes access to data, research materials, or people for surveys and interviews.

• Assess resource availability: List the resources you need (e.g., data sets, lab equipment, specific populations for surveys) and confirm access to them.
• Set realistic goals: Ensure the scope of your topic matches the time and word count limits for your dissertation. Too broad or too narrow can lead to significant problems later.

5. Get feedback

Once you’ve got a few ideas, talk them over with your advisor and peers. They can give you valuable advice on whether your topics are relevant and doable. This step can also help you tweak your ideas based on practical considerations.

• Consult with advisors: Regular meetings with your advisor can provide guidance and insight into the feasibility and academic value of your topic.
• Engage with peers: Discussing your ideas in study groups or seminars can provide new perspectives and constructive criticism that refine your topic further.

6. Evaluate the impact

Consider what impact your research could have. Ask yourself: “What makes a great dissertation topic?” Ideally, it should contribute something new to your field, whether that’s solving a problem, filling a knowledge gap, or challenging existing ideas. Your topic should also fit with current trends and debates in your field.

• Identify the contribution to the field: Clearly define how your research will contribute to existing knowledge. Could it change how people think about the subject?
• Align with current trends: Research current trends in your field. Attending conferences and reading recent journal articles and publications can help you understand what is relevant and in demand. 

7. Finalize and get approval

With insights from your research and feedback from your peers, refine your topic until it’s just right. Make sure it meets all the requirements of your department and get the green light from your dissertation committee. This step is key to making sure you’re on the right track and have the support you need to move forward.

• Prepare a formal proposal: Write a detailed proposal including your research question, methodology , and expected outcomes. This will be crucial for approval from your committee.
• Seek pre-approval feedback: Before submitting your proposal for final approval, get feedback from trusted mentors or colleagues. This can help catch any potential issues early.

Choosing the right dissertation topic is a thoughtful process that can set the foundation for a rewarding research experience. By understanding your interests, conducting thorough research, and seeking guidance from advisors, you are well on your way to selecting a topic that not only meets academic standards but also holds personal significance.

Remember, once you’ve chosen your dissertation topic and are ready to present your findings, professional editing and proofreading services are critical to ensuring clarity, coherence, and a polished presentation of your research. PaperTrue can enhance your dissertation, ensuring it communicates your ideas effectively and meets the highest academic standards!

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do i know if my dissertation topic is original enough, can i change my dissertation topic after i have started my research, what should i do if i'm struggling to narrow down my dissertation topic.

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How to come up with a topic for your thesis

Finding a thesis topic

The easiest method to choose a thesis topic, how to choose a thesis topic that will get you a job, ask your supervisor for help, found my thesis topic, now what, further tips on finding a thesis topic, frequently asked questions about coming up with a topic for your thesis, related articles.

Depending on the level of your studies, you will be required to come up with a topic for your thesis by yourself or to choose from a list of broad topics. In either case, you will need to:

• Choose a specific scope
• Narrow it down as much as you can.
• Find a topic by considering specific debates or discussions that interest you.
• Choose a topic based on phenomenon, point of view, and context.
• Consider the relevance of your topic in relation to job market realities.
• Ask your supervisor for help and guidance, as needed.

Tip: Balance your own interests with what can help you grow in your field..

In any case, you can start by asking yourself if you’ve attended any lecture where you were particularly interested in a certain subject and go from there. The following questions might help you shine a light on personal topics of interest:

• What aspect of your studies holds a particular interest for you?
• Was something mentioned in a discussion that you found intriguing?
• Did you read about a theory or idea that spoke to you?

Ideas for a thesis can stem from many sources, so let your mind wander and see if anything tickles your curiosity. A thesis is a chance for you to spend some quality time with a certain aspect of your studies, so you better think of a topic that not only appeals to you but will also help you grow in your field.

Tip: Use phenomenon, point of view, and context to help you choose a balanced thesis topic.

We can all agree that choosing a topic for a thesis or any paper is one, if not the most, difficult steps in writing. However, according to Sahlman's How to Write a Master Thesis Fast , choosing a topic for your thesis is rather easy if you focus on the three following areas:

• Point of view

Focus on a specific phenomenon as the center of your thesis. For example, "queer rights" or "climate change". Next, you choose a point of view. From what perspective do you see the phenomenon? For instance, “American culture” or “legally/ financially”. Finally, you narrow it down to a particular context, such as “from 2000 to 2010” or “small German enterprises in 2017”.

By combining the examples of these three areas, we come up with two potential thesis topics:

The development of queer rights in American culture from 2000 to 2010

Emerging climate change regulations of small German enterprises in 2017

The topic doesn't need to be perfect at first. The idea is to brainstorm with the topics that most interest you in the beginning and slowly come up with with a compelling topic you can brag about at friends’ dinner parties. Here is a list of the top 100 research paper topics for some inspiration.

Tip: Think about how your potential topic can make an intervention into your field of study.

If you will be writing extensively about a specific topic it does not only have to meet the requirements of the academia but it should also expand your professional horizons. According to the article how to pick a masters thesis topic , you should be thinking beyond the completion of your degree.

The author states "use your time as a student to make yourself as attractive to employers as possible." In order to achieve this, make sure that at least one of the three components (phenomenon, point of view and context) is of interest in your desired professional field.

For example, the thesis topics mentioned above would be of great help to people interested in working in the field of human rights and climate change. By choosing a thesis topic related to your professional future, your chances of landing your desired job will be higher, as you could bring fresh and valuable knowledge to your field.

Tip: Ask your supervisor for advice early in the process.

If your topic is still not fully shaped, then take advantage of the greater wisdom of your supervisor and ask for guidance. Arm yourself with enough possible topics and pay your supervisor a visit. Explain what’s your specific point of view and/or context of interest and, luckily, they will steer you in the right direction.

It is certainly not enough to find a topic for your thesis. You also need to make sure that it is a relevant topic and that you will be able to develop it.

• 5 Tips for selecting a thesis topic
• How to come up with a thesis topic
• How to pick a Masters thesis topic

Choosing a topic for your thesis is easy if you focus on the three following areas:

Focus on a specific phenomenon as the center of your thesis. From what perspective do you see the phenomenon? Finally, narrow it down to a particular context . By combining these three areas, you can come up with several possible thesis topics.

Here is a list of the top 100 research paper topics for some inspiration.

The amount of time you need to choose a thesis topic depends on you. If you use the method we explained above, it can take very short time. If you doubt yourself too much, you might end up spending many days choosing a topic.

Here's a YouTube tutorial on How To Choose A Research Topic For A Dissertation Or Thesis (7 Step Method + Examples) by the Grad Coach.

The first person to ask for help if you have trouble finding a thesis topic is your supervisor. Take advantage of their greater wisdom and ask for guidance. Explain them your interests, and, luckily, they will steer you in the right direction.

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How to Choose Dissertation Topics (The Complete Guide for 2022)

by  Antony W

February 19, 2022

The first step to writing a dissertation fast is to choose a topic to investigate. However, coming up with a relevant topic for the project can be hard and agonizing if you don’t know how to go about it. That’s why in this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to choose dissertation topics for your project so you can get started with research as soon as possible.

We’ve been in the academic writing space long enough to know how difficult coming up with a dissertation topic is.

In fact, one of the common questions many readers ask us has to do with choosing the right topics, which means topic selection can be such a tedious process for many students.

Given our experience in dissertation writing, we have some useful tips that can save you a lot of time and stress by making it incredibly easy for you to choose the right topic for your dissertation assignment. 

How to Choose Dissertation Topics

Here are some useful tips that can help you choose the best dissertation topics for your next thesis project:

Don’t Fret if Your Topic Isn’t Unique

Many students fail at choosing topics for their dissertation because they think too much outside the box and end up with nothing to show for it.

The thing is:

Spending too much of your time trying to think about some unique topic ideas that no student has ever explored is just but a waste of your precious time.

So instead of trying to come up with a topic that might blow your instructor’s mind away, pick a topic to which you can make a unique contribution and stick with it.

One thing you need to keep in mind when selecting a topic for your dissertation assignment is that it doesn’t matter if someone else already discovered the topic.

Choose whatever topic you want provided you can make useful contributions to it and expand the already existing body of knowledge.

At the end of the day, students get the opportunity to make unique contributions to their dissertations once they’ve completed their literature review for the dissertation .

First, that means you don’t have to invest a topic yourself, because there would be no existing studies to examine. Second, you’ll have more time to figure out new ways of approaching the topic you choose.

Search the Web for Topic Ideas

Good dissertation topics don’t often pop when you need them the most. So looking at the web for ideas can be a great way to find inspiration to help you come up with a topic you that you can work on.

The best thing about this approach is that there are several place to get topic ideas fast.

• Use Google to find previously published topics. You can find just about any topic ideas by a simple search. Whether you need early childhood education topics or something completely different, you’ll find Google to be incredibly helpful.
• Look at Journals that publish content in your area of study. You more than likely will find more topic ideas than you need, but make sure you focus on the topics that are in your area of interest.

Really you can use these sources as the starting point to come up with the most suitable topic for your dissertation.

Make Sure You’re Interested in the Topic

The worst mistake you can make when choosing a dissertation topic is to focus on a subject you know nothing about or an area you’re just not interested in.

Keep in mind that there’s no turning back when you choose a topic to explore in your research.

In other words, once your instructor approves you for a given topic, their expectations is that you stick to the topic right from the beginning to the end.

So make your life easier by identifying and picking a topic you’re interested in, or a subject that focuses on an area you’ve always wanted to explore.

But how do you know if you’re even interested in a topic in the first place?

The first option is to consider what you always think about from time to time.

It could be something that intrigues you, makes you angry, or gets you inspired quite too often.

Also, consider what you love talking about from time to time when you hang out with friends on campus or family at home, as that, too, can help you come up with an interesting topic for your dissertation.

The second option is to look at assignments you’ve already done and single out the topics you found the most interesting to research and write.

Choose one of the topics, zoom on it further, and see if it can be a good topic for your dissertation.

Choose a Topic that’s Relevant to Your Career Goals

A dissertation is an assignment you have to take seriously. And when it comes to choosing a topic to explore, it had better be relevant to your career goals give or take.

The idea here is that you should consider choosing a topic that will get you exactly where you want to go depending on the expert knowledge that you already have.

Simple is Always Better

Many students make choosing dissertation topics difficult because they focus on unnecessarily complex and insanely complicated topics.

As if that’s not enough, they come up with long research questions that are just hard to understand.

In the end, they struggle to write their dissertations so they have to repeat the process all over again.

We discourage this approach and strongly recommend that you choose a topic that’s simple and straightforward.

By simplifying your dissertation topic, you’ll easily control the growth of you research project and never have to worry about dead end.

Again, keeping things simple allows you to have a clear focus group. And when you have a very clear focus, even your research methodology won’t break you as you go deeper with the project.

Choosing dissertation topics can be challenging, but it doesn’t have to be difficult at all.

Have a second, or even a third, look at these tips, and you’ll be amazed just how quick you can find a bunch of topics to brain storm and eventually figure out what option is best for your research.

About the author 

Antony W is a professional writer and coach at Help for Assessment. He spends countless hours every day researching and writing great content filled with expert advice on how to write engaging essays, research papers, and assignments.

How to Craft Your Ideal Thesis Research Topic

Table of contents

Catherine Miller

Writing your undergraduate thesis is probably one of the most interesting parts of studying, especially because you get to choose your area of study. But as both a student and a teacher who’s helped countless students develop their research topics, I know this freedom can be just as intimidating as it is liberating.

Fortunately, there’a a step-by-step process you can follow that will help make the whole process a lot easier. In this article, I’ll show you how to choose a unique, specific thesis topic that’s true to your passions and interests, while making a contribution to your field.

Choose a topic that you’re interested in

First things first: double-check with your teachers or supervisor if there are any constraints on your research topic. Once your parameters are clear, it’s time to identify what lights you up — after all, you’re going to be spending a lot of time thinking about it.

Within your field of study, you probably already have some topics that have grabbed your attention more than others. This can be a great place to start. Additionally, consider using the rest of your academic and extra-curricular interests as a source of ideas. At this stage, you only need a broad topic before you narrow it down to a specific question. 

If you’re feeling stuck, here are some things to try:

• Look back through old course notes to remind yourself of topics you previously covered. Do any of these inspire you?
• Talk to potential supervisors about your ideas, as they can point you toward areas you might not have considered.
• Think about the things you enjoy in everyday life — whether that’s cycling, cinema, cooking, or fashion — then consider if there are any overlaps with your field of study.
• Imagine you have been asked to give a presentation or record a podcast in the next three days. What topics would you feel confident discussing?
• Watch a selection of existing lectures or explainer videos, or listen to podcasts by experts in your field. Note which topics you feel curious to explore further.
• Discuss your field of study with teachers friends and family, some with existing knowledge and some without. Which aspects do you enjoy talking about? 

By doing all this, you might uncover some unusual and exciting avenues for research. For example, when writing my Master’s dissertation, I decided to combine my field of study (English teaching methodology) with one of my passions outside work (creative writing). In my undergraduate course, a friend drew on her lived experience of disability to look into the literary portrayal of disability in the ancient world. 

Do your research

Once you’ve chosen your topic of interest, it’s time to dive into research. This is a really important part of this early process because it allows you to:

• See what other people have written about the topic — you don’t want to cover the same old ground as everyone else.
• Gain perspective on the big questions surrounding the topic. 
• Go deeper into the parts that interest you to help you decide where to focus.
• Start building your bibliography and a bank of interesting quotations. 

A great way to start is to visit your library for an introductory book. For example, the “A Very Short Introduction” series from the Oxford University Press provides overviews of a range of themes. Similar types of overviews may have the title “ A Companion to [Subject]” or “[Subject] A Student Companion”. Ask your librarian or teacher if you’re not sure where to begin. 

Your introductory volume can spark ideas for further research, and the bibliography can give you some pointers about where to go next. You can also use keywords to research online via academic sites like JStor or Google Scholar. Check which subscriptions are available via your institution.

At this stage, you may not wish to read every single paper you come across in full — this could take a very long time and not everything will be relevant. Summarizing software like Wordtune could be very useful here.

Just upload a PDF or link to an online article using Wordtune, and it will produce a summary of the whole paper with a list of key points. This helps you to quickly sift through papers to grasp their central ideas and identify which ones to read in full. 

Get Wordtune for free > Get Wordtune for free >

You can also use Wordtune for semantic search. In this case, the tool focuses its summary around your chosen search term, making it even easier to get what you need from the paper.

As you go, make sure you keep organized notes of what you’ve read, including the author and publication information and the page number of any citations you want to use. 

Some people are happy to do this process with pen and paper, but if you prefer a digital method, there are several software options, including Zotero , EndNote , and Mendeley . Your institution may have an existing subscription so check before you sign up.

Narrowing down your thesis research topic

Now you’ve read around the topic, it’s time to narrow down your ideas so you can craft your final question. For example, when it came to my undergraduate thesis, I knew I wanted to write about Ancient Greek religion and I was interested in the topic of goddesses. So, I:

• Did some wide reading around the topic of goddesses
• Learned that the goddess Hera was not as well researched as others and that there were some fascinating aspects I wanted to explore
• Decided (with my supervisor’s support) to focus on her temples in the Argive region of Greece

As part of this process, it can be helpful to consider the “5 Ws”: why, what, who, when, and where, as you move from the bigger picture to something more precise. 

Why did you choose this research topic?

Come back to the reasons you originally chose your theme. What grabbed you? Why is this topic important to you — or to the wider world? In my example, I knew I wanted to write about goddesses because, as a woman, I was interested in how a society in which female lives were often highly controlled dealt with having powerful female deities. My research highlighted Hera as one of the most powerful goddesses, tying into my key interest.

What are some of the big questions about your topic?

During your research, you’ll probably run into the same themes time and time again. Some of the questions that arise may not have been answered yet or might benefit from a fresh look. 

Equally, there may be questions that haven’t yet been asked, especially if you are approaching the topic from a modern perspective or combining research that hasn’t been considered before. This might include taking a post-colonial, feminist, or queer approach to older texts or bringing in research using new scientific methods.

In my example, I knew there were still controversies about why so many temples to the goddess Hera were built in a certain region, and was keen to explore these further.

Who is the research topic relevant to?

Considering the “who” might help you open up new avenues. Is there a particular audience you want to reach? What might they be interested in? Is this a new audience for this field? Are there people out there who might be affected by the outcome of this research — for example, people with a particular medical condition — who might be able to use your conclusions?

Which period will you focus on?

Depending on the nature of your field, you might be able to choose a timeframe, which can help narrow the topic down. For example, you might focus on historical events that took place over a handful of years, look at the impact of a work of literature at a certain point after its publication, or review scientific progress over the last five years. 

With my thesis, I decided to focus on the time when the temples were built rather than considering the hundreds of years for which they have existed, which would have taken me far too long.

Where does your topic relate to?

Place can be another means of narrowing down the topic. For example, consider the impact of your topic on a particular neighborhood, city, or country, rather than trying to process a global question. 

In my example, I chose to focus my research on one area of Greece, where there were lots of temples to Hera. This meant skipping other important locations, but including these would have made the thesis too wide-ranging.

Create an outline and get feedback

Once you have an idea of what you are going to write about, create an outline or summary and get feedback from your teacher(s). It’s okay if you don’t know exactly how you’re going to answer your thesis question yet, but based on your research you should have a rough plan of the key points you want to cover. So, for me, the outline was as follows:

• Context: who was the goddess Hera?
• Overview of her sanctuaries in the Argive region
• Their initial development 
• Political and cultural influences
• The importance of the mythical past

In the final thesis, I took a strong view on why the goddess was so important in this region, but it took more research, writing, and discussion with my supervisor to pin down my argument.

To choose a thesis research topic, find something you’re passionate about, research widely to get the big picture, and then move to a more focused view. Bringing a fresh perspective to a popular theme, finding an underserved audience who could benefit from your research, or answering a controversial question can make your thesis stand out from the crowd.

For tips on how to start writing your thesis, don’t miss our advice on writing a great research abstract and a stellar literature review . And don’t forget that Wordtune can also support you with proofreading, making it even easier to submit a polished thesis.

How do you come up with a research topic for a thesis?

To help you find a thesis topic, speak to your professor, look through your old course notes, think about what you already enjoy in everyday life, talk about your field of study with friends and family, and research podcasts and videos to find a topic that is interesting for you. It’s a good idea to refine your topic so that it’s not too general or broad.  

Do you choose your own thesis topic?

Yes, you usually choose your own thesis topic. You can get help from your professor(s), friends, and family to figure out which research topic is interesting to you. 

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5 Tips for Choosing Your EdD Dissertation Topic

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Associate teaching professor Corliss Thompson shares her top tips for choosing your EdD dissertation topic.

You’ve learned more about why you should earn your Doctor of Education (EdD), and now you’re ready to apply. As part of the Northeastern application process, however, you’re required to submit a problem of practice that you want to pursue throughout the course of your doctoral program.

But how do you arrive at that problem of practice and narrow your area of interest down into a specific dissertation topic? Here are some tips to keep in mind.

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Tips for Choosing a Dissertation Topic

1. pick a topic you’re passionate about..

A lot of work goes into your dissertation—from the literature review, where you’re conducting a critical analysis of what’s been published on your topic, to interviewing stakeholders and actually writing the dissertation itself. Each of those steps take time, so you want to choose a topic that will keep you engaged and hold your interest.

When trying to decide your area of focus, consider the challenges you’re motivated to address and the difference you want to make both during and at the end of your EdD program. The goal is that you will continuously build off your dissertation research and leverage the work in a way that positively impacts your organization and/or community.

2. Ensure your topic is manageable.

You want to select a topic you can complete during the duration of your EdD program that is also aligned with your budget. If you need to travel or perform longitudinal research, your idea might not be achievable. Find what available, attainable data you can, and use that to narrow down your research into a dissertation that’s more manageable.

3. Embrace the unknown.

Although you’re passionate about your topic and it’s manageable, there will still be lingering questions about your subject. Be prepared to explore what you don’t know and deepen what you already do know. Strong research typically results in more questions.

Be ready to ask questions of yourself, others, and the literature, and get comfortable with not knowing the answer. As you’re thinking about your dissertation, keep track of inquiries that emerge around different ideas. Those may help you hone in on a topic.

4. Leverage your peers.

One benefit of enrolling in an EdD program is the diversity of backgrounds and opinions you’ll find within your cohort. At Northeastern, EdD instruction is primarily online, which enables students to connect and collaborate with professionals from around the world.

Vasiliki Goudanas Mavroudhis, a recent graduate of Northeastern’s EdD program, emphasized this benefit in her piece on what it’s like to be in an online doctoral program , saying:

The ability to not only have a cohort-based network, but one that crossed cohorts and continents, allowed me to have a far richer and deeper experience. I learned from students with different perspectives who came from different industries across a number of countries.

When fleshing out your dissertation, use that global network to your advantage. Ask your peers for constructive feedback. It’s likely they’ll have suggestions on how you can approach your topic from different cultural perspectives.

5. Know it’s OK to change your topic.

It’s natural for your dissertation topic to evolve the more research you complete and experts you interview. Actually, it’s expected.

Switching topics halfway through the program might seem like more work, but you will have already gone through the research process once and laid the foundation for your dissertation. As you approach your topic from different perspectives, it’s understandable if your own viewpoint changes a bit.

If you’re in need of inspiration, here are some examples of doctoral research Northeastern students have recently conducted:

• “The Drop Out Decisions of Latino College Students”
• “Changing the Experiences of African Refugee Youth”
• “Supporting Students Through Mindful Mentoring”
• “The Transitioning Student Veteran: Finding Your Civilian Career Through Academic Success”
• “Bridging the Gap Between Training and Educating in Adult Learning”
• “Watch out for Shards from the Glass Ceiling: A Study of Women Higher Educational Administrators’ Leadership Development Experiences”

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Dissertations – how do you pick your topic?

Your dissertation or research project is a seminal piece of work that enables you to showcase and expand upon everything you have learned during your course. Picking this topic can be daunting, with many students wondering how to approach making this important choice.

Here we cover how to choose the right topic for you, with advice from our University of Bath online course leaders.

How do I choose my topic?

Choose something you are passionate about! You are going to be spending many hours doing a deep dive into your chosen topic, so it is advisable to identify something relevant to your course that interests you and you want to learn more about.

“Choosing a topic you are interested in is absolutely ideal” says Dr Michael Wright, course leader for the Computer Science online MSc. “Then you can work with your academic advisor to really tailor your topic and narrow it down and make it MSc worthy.”

As well as being based on interests, many students also choose to focus on a topic that will push them forward within their chosen industry or career.

It is crucial to look at where your skillsets are and play to your strengths – thinking critically about what you are good at enables you to choose an area of study that will showcase your abilities. Alternatively, you may wish to focus on an area you would like to improve, by picking a topic or project that will enable you to expand your knowledge and hone your skills in a lesser explored area.

What sorts of topics can I choose?

Depending on your chosen course, your dissertation can take different forms.

In the Entrepreneurship Management and Innovation online MSc the course finishes with an independent research project, rather than a dissertation. Students develop a business idea into a viable business model, applying the knowledge and research techniques learnt throughout the course. Projects fall into one of four different types of ventures; independent, corporate, family or social.

“Entrepreneurship Management and Innovation is about creating new things” says course lecturer Professor Dimo Dimov.

“How do we create something from scratch? This is different from managing something that already exists, it’s a different mindset.

“For your research project you may want to focus on your own start up, or work on a something within your own organisation – perhaps they are looking to explore a new venture or launch a new product. Alternatively, you may choose to focus on a family business, exploring how the business can transition and evolve going forward”.

Rather than being solely commercial, Entrepreneurship Management and Innovation students can choose a research project within the social and environmental space, for example encouraging people to use less plastic. “We would call this a social sustainable entrepreneurial project” says Professor Dimov.

Applied Economics (Banking and Financial Markets) online MSc has a 12,000-15,000 word research project at the end of the course.

“You can choose to study the relationship between economic growth and, for example, inflation, economic development or the impact of house pricing” said course leader Dr Simona Montagnana.

“As part of the course you have the opportunity to study economic performance globally, so you can choose to study your own country or do a cross section analysis”.

Dr Montagnana suggests that your dissertation can be based on a wider context, like your country’s economics or even the global picture, as well as being based on a more specific context, for example your current role or industry.

Dissertation preparation units

The University of Bath Computer Science online MSc includes research project preparation unit as part of the course to prepare students for making their topic choice.

“The research project preparation unit takes you through the research in computer science and helps you to define a topic that you want to pursue for your dissertation” explains Dr Wright. “The dissertation is at a masters level, where you undertake user studies and system development to tackle a novel problem and submit it as a piece of work”.

“Within the department there are four main research groups; human computer interaction, AI, visual computing and foundations of computation. This covers a significant breadth of computer science research so students have a lot of freedom in choosing the topic”.

Examples of previous dissertations include the use of artificial intelligence, for example using mathematical models to predict a persons’ propensity towards depression based on their mobile phone usage, user studies into gestural interaction which look at the best type of gesture for different situations and research into other collaborative systems.

How do I know if my topic is suitable?

Whatever your chosen course, the University of Bath will help you select the best topic to translate your passion into academic success. Your dissertation is a chance to show your ability to work independently and put all you have learnt into practice. Although you have the freedom to choose your own subject matter, it is important that the topic is addressing a unique area of original thought. To help you to create a project of MSc standards, you will be assigned a tutor who will guide you through the whole process. They will work with you from choosing your topic through to submitting your work. Your tutor will advise if the topic is too broad, or not detailed enough, or too similar to what has been covered before.

“We will support you as best we can to help you succeed” says Dr Wright. “Our objective is to transfer to you the passion we have for the topics we cover.”

Authored on 27.04.20

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Below we’ve listed some of the most popular proposal-related questions we receive, but you’re also welcome to get in touch if you have any other questions.

Topic Ideation Support

Can you give me a research topic.

Unfortunately, not.

You, as the researcher, need to explore the options and choose your own research topic. Thankfully, our Topic Kickstarter service makes this much easier , as we provide you with a clear summary of potential research opportunities and directions which can form the foundation of your topic.

How does the Topic Kickstarter service work?

With the Topic Kickstarter service, you tell us which research area you’re interested in (this can be fairly broad). We then review the current literature and get back to you with a clear set of potential research opportunities, based on literature-backed, current research gaps. You can learn more about the Topic Kickstarter here.

How long does the Topic Kickstarter service take?

It depends on our workload at the time, but we can typically complete a Topic Kickstarter project within a few days. If you’re interested, please contact us to discuss your project.

Are the suggested research opportunities unique and original?

Yes. When undertaking a Topic Kickstarter , we focus on the most recent literature to identify current research gaps/opportunities/problems that can form the foundation of your research topic.

Can I see a sample of a Topic Kickstarter report?

Absolutely. You can access the sample here.

Can you help me find relevant literature about my research topic?

Yes. If you utilise our Topic Kickstarter service, this will by default include various resources that you can use as a theoretical base.

Alternatively, if you have already defined a topic, you can consider using our Literature Kickstarter service to help build a solid base of credible literature.

Can you help me with my research proposal?

Yes, we can help you develop a convincing research proposal. One of our friendly coaches will help you plan and structure your proposal, and provide you with feedback as you write each section.

Can you help me with other aspects of my research project?

Yes. Topic ideation/refinement support is only one aspect of our offering at Grad Coach, and we typically assist students throughout their entire dissertation/thesis/research project. You can learn more about our full service offering here .

Can I get a coach that specialises in my topic area?

It’s important to clarify that our expertise lies in the research process itself , rather than specific research areas/topics (e.g., psychology, management, etc.). In other words, the support we provide is topic-agnostic, which allows us to support students across a very broad range of research topics.

That said, if there is a coach on our team who has experience in your area of research, as well as your chosen methodology, we can allocate them to your project (dependent on their availability, of course).

If you’re unsure about whether we’re the right fit, feel free to drop us an email or book a free initial consultation.

Can you help me find funding for my research project?

Unfortunately, this is not something we can assist with . Our focus is on the research process itself, not the funding thereof. 

What qualifications do your coaches have?

All of our coaches hold a doctoral-level degree (for example, a PhD, DBA, etc.). Moreover, they all have experience working within academia, in many cases as dissertation/thesis supervisors. In other words, they understand what markers are looking for when reviewing a student’s work.

Will my research topic be kept confidential?

Yes, all interaction is treated as strictly confidential.

I still have questions…

No problem. Feel free to email us or book an initial consultation to discuss.

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• Knowledge Base
• Research process

How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on 11 November 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

• Your institution and department’s requirements
• Your areas of knowledge and interest
• The scientific, social, or practical relevance
• The availability of data and resources
• The timeframe of your dissertation

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

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Table of contents

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, frequently asked questions.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

• Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
• When is the deadline?
• Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
• Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

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Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

• Twentieth-century literature
• Economic history
• Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

• Twentieth-century literature   Twentieth-century Irish literature   Post-war Irish poetry
• Economic history   European economic history   German labor union history
• Health policy   Reproductive health policy   Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas – there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

• Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
• Analysing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
• Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
• Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyse public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalise your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, sociallym or practically relevant to your field.

• Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
• Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
• Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2022, November 11). How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow. Scribbr. Retrieved 24 June 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/choosing-a-topic/

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Choosing a Research Topic

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This article from the Chronicle of Higher Education  discusses and offers advice on how to choose a dissertation topic that is compelling, manageable, and worthwhile. Although it is written for scientists, this article provides valuable insights that are applicable to other fields. Also available via the Tomorrow's Professor Archive.

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Choosing a topic is the first and maybe the most important step of the research and writing process! This step will determine the rest of your steps -- what your thesis statement is, what sources you use, and how to write your paper. So it's important to make sure you choose a strong and engaging topic.

Strategies for finding a topic:

• Look over the index and the article titles in a subject-specific encyclopedia that covers a relevant subject area or discipline. Check out our print collection available in the Information Commons. (Additional sources can be found by searching the catalog for titles in the general collection.)
• Spend some time looking at major journals in your field (look for the white binder in the reading room for a list of current periodicals by subject).
• Browse your subject area in one of our digital reference sources .
• Discuss topic ideas with your instructor or favorite reference librarian!

Good questions to ask yourself when choosing a topic are:

• Is this a topic that interests me?
• Is this a topic that is creative and has not been overdone?
• Is this a topic that is not too broad or too narrow to meet the assignment requirements?

When you pick your topic, it's not set in stone. Picking and adjusting your topic is an integral part of the research process!

How to Develop a Good Research Topic

Need Help Choosing a Topic?

Sometimes it can be difficult to think up a great research topic. Have no fear -- Taylor Library is here to help! Check out these database and websites to get some ideas.

Once you have a topic in mind:

• Consider first the broad subjects that deal with your topic.
• Narrow this down, keeping your topic in mind.
• Focus closer: limit your topic to specifics, such as geography, time, and culture.
• Write down topic phrases; this helps you come up with key words and questions that will help you in your research.
• << Previous: The Research Process
• Next: Getting Started >>
• Last Updated: Jun 18, 2024 11:24 AM
• URL: https://library.fontbonne.edu/research

Trump's VP options: Sizing up their pros and cons from J.D. Vance to Kari Lake

Speculation has been mounting for months about who Donald Trump will choose as his running mate in the 2024 race for the White House. Will the presumptive 2024 GOP nominee pick someone who can expand the Republican tent? Will Trump opt for one of his longtime allies – or a former critic who's since joined the MAGA movement?

Here's a look at 19 of Trump's most visible options for a vice presidential candidate – and the pros and cons for each option as Republicans try to reclaim the White House.

Joe Biden is old. So is Donald Trump: So are millions of other American workers

Who has been mentioned as possible VP candidate?

At least 19 people have been mentioned as possible picks to serve as Trump's running mate. An announcement is expected by the start of the Republican National Convention on July 15 in Milwaukee, if not a drop sooner.

Greg Abbott | Katie Britt | Doug Burgum | Tucker Carlson | Ben Carson | Tom Cotton | Byron Donalds | Tulsi Gabbard | Sarah Huckabee Sanders | Kari Lake | Nancy Mace | Kristi Noem | Vivek Ramaswamy | Marco Rubio | Tim Scott | Elise Stefanik | Marjorie Taylor Greene | JD Vance | Glenn Youngkin

Greg Abbott

By John C. Moritz/Austin American-Statesman 

• Abbott has 10 years of experience as governor of the nation’s second largest state, which would likely give Republican voters confidence that he could step into the presidency should anything happen to the 78-year-old Trump. 
• Trump would have a staunch ally on the GOP hot-button issues of illegal immigration, gun rights and lowering taxes. 
• Abbott has been one of the most vociferous critics of President Joe Biden, and attack dog is part of the job description for any Trump vice presidential candidate. 
• Trump doesn’t need Abbott to carry Texas, which has been a Republican stronghold since 1980 and is expected to remain so this cycle. 
• Abbott is a white man who turns 67 eight days after Election Day, bringing little to the table when it comes to expanding Republican appeal among young voters and voters of color.
• Abbott does not appear to want the job. "I'd rather be governor of Texas," he said in Trump’s presence when the two appeared together at an event in February.  

Return to top

Katie Britt

By Rachel Barber/USA Today 

• Britt, 42, is young and a woman. That means she could appeal to two broad voting blocs that Trump has struggled to reach: young voters and female voters.
• If she is chosen and the pair wins the White House, there is little chance that a Democrat could win her Senate seat in deep-red Alabama.   
• Britt is a former lawyer with a relatively straightforward political background and few major controversies. 
• Other than two years served in the U.S. Senate, Britt doesn't have a long track record as an elected official and is relatively unvetted.  
• Her MAGA identity won’t help Trump secure moderate or independent voters. 
• Trump doesn’t need Britt to carry Alabama, which hasn’t voted for a Democratic president since 1976. 

Doug Burgum

By Joey Garrison/USA TODAY

• The governor is wealthy and a businessman, and he’s shown himself to be a valuable stumper for Trump on the campaign trail and on TV.  
• Burgum has transformed from a Trump skeptic – last year saying that he would not do business with the former real-estate mogul – to a defender of Trump.  
• His mild-mannered temperament poses no risk of stealing attention from the former president. In 2016, Trump showed his preference for a low-key VP when he picked Mike Pence.  
• Burgum would do little to expand Trump’s reach, and he wouldn't be the most popular choice among the MAGA base. Burgum’s state of North Dakota is solidly red.  
• He has few connections to Washington, no foreign policy experience, and until recently, few Republican voters knew who he was. 
• Burgum has shown his willingness to be loyal to Trump in recent months, but it’s unclear if he’s won the former president’s trust. It was only one year ago when he was criticizing Trump. 

Tucker Carlson

By Phillip M. Bailey/USA TODAY 

• The former Fox News host remains a face of conservative media who knows how to craft a message that appeals to Trump’s MAGA base.  
• A 2023 Gallup poll showed Carlson is the most popular news figure in the U.S, and that stems largely from being seen as a forbearer of Trumpism. The two share a distaste for liberal social causes, a skepticism of the U.S. intelligence community and a more isolationist foreign policy, particularly in terms of Russia. 
• Carlson and Trump have shown a good working rapport, at least publicly. Trump skipped the first GOP presidential debate in 2023 and opted for a 45-minute talk with Carlson instead. 
• Carlson’s true feelings about Trump were revealed as part of evidence in a lawsuit against Fox News. “I hate him passionately,” the TV host said in a text message to colleagues. 
• Carlson is a polarizing figure with years of controversial comments who is known to flirt with conspiracy theories that could further alienate independent voters. He was the centerpiece of a $1.6 billion lawsuit against Fox News by Dominion Voting Systems, which was the subject of false allegations about the 2020 election. 
• Being as popular as the person at the top of the ticket could be a disqualification. VP picks historically don’t outpace the presidential nominee. 

by Karissa Waddick/USA TODAY

• Carson has a track record of loyalty as former Housing and Urban Development secretary, where he was one of few Cabinet officials who served the entirety of Trump's first term.   
• He has defended Trump against accusations of racism in the past and could bring a larger slice of Black voters into the GOP coalition. 
• Carson has a low-key persona and is unlikely to overshadow Trump. At age 72, he also isn't likely to use a VP nomination as a springboard for a 2028 presidential bid. 
• Like Trump, Carson hails from Florida. Under the U.S. Constitution, the state’s Electoral College representatives couldn't vote for both Florida men, meaning Carson would probably need to establish residency outside of the Sunshine State.  
• Carson has advocated for a national ban on abortion access, which could hurt the Trump ticket among moderate and swing voters.
• Carson has a history of making controversial comments, including once arguing that the passage of the Affordable Care Act was more damaging to the U.S. than the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. 

By George Russell/USA TODAY Network

• Cotton is an outspoken firebrand who can relate to and mobilize the MAGA base.  
• His decade-plus of experience in Congress, Harvard Law degree and military service could help bolster the ticket’s appeal among more traditional GOP voters. 
• While Cotton is at least as conservative as Trump, his steady demeanor could complement Trump’s more turbulent style. 
• Cotton’s base of supporters overlaps with Trump’s, and it could be difficult for the pair to cultivate broad appeal beyond the MAGA movement. 
• Trump might calculate that another white man on the ticket won’t help him with outreach to female or Black voters.  
• Cotton is already a name brand and a political heavyweight who could upstage Trump if chosen – and use his running mate slot to launch a 2028 presidential campaign. 

Byron Donalds

• As one of the few Black conservatives in Congress, Donalds would be a historic choice at a time when the GOP is regularly accused of embracing anti-diversity policies. 
• Donalds emerged as an influential voice among the House’s more stringent conservative members after twice being nominated as an alternative to Rep. Kevin McCarthy during a fight over the speaker’s seat in January 2023. 
• The Florida congressman doesn’t back down from a fight in the face of liberal attacks, which appeals to Trump's political persona. That also could be turned into an asset in a debate joust with Vice President Kamala Harris. 
• Donalds represents a Florida district that is roughly 6% Black, creating questions over whether he can deliver minority voters for Trump. 
• A two-term congressman, Donalds is more of a show horse known for his TV appearances than legislative heavy lifting. He isn’t in the GOP leadership pipeline, and he didn’t have much leadership experience during his four years as a Florida state legislator, either. 
• Donalds and Trump are both from Florida, which means that under the U.S. Constitution one of them would have to move to collect the state’s electoral votes. If Donalds does so, he would have to leave Congress. 

Tulsi Gabbard

By Jeremy Yurow/USA TODAY Network 

• Gabbard could expand Trump’s base. At 43, she’s a woman of color who could appeal to younger and non-white voters. As a former Democrat, she also could attract independent voters.  
• Her military service and foreign policy experience bolster her credentials in areas where Trump has faced criticism. Trump has not served in the armed forces, and he had no political experience before his 2016 presidential bid.  
• Her willingness to break from her former party mirror Trump's outsider approach, potentially appealing to voters disillusioned with traditional party politics. 
• Gabbard would almost certainly face criticism for her progressive track record in Congress and previous endorsements of Sen. Bernie Sanders and President Joe Biden. Many could view her recent political shift as opportunism.  
• Gabbard is relatively inexperienced compared to other politicians Trump could choose as his running mate.
• Gabbard would face increased scrutiny for her history of spreading conspiracy theories and pro-Russia talking points, something Trump's critics have also accused him of doing.

Sarah Huckabee Sanders

By George Russell/USA TODAY NETWORK

• Sanders is a road-tested loyalist – she fiercely defended Trump for years as his White House press secretary.  
• A mother of three, Sanders has sought to connect the GOP vision with the values of working families and could help Trump court more moderate and undecided female voters. 
• She has strong name recognition and MAGA bona fides from the years she spent publicly connected to Trump on the national stage. 
• Sanders holds little governing experience. She is not even halfway through her first term in elected office as Arkansas governor. 
• A recent scandal over potential mishandling of government funds in the purchase of a $19,000 podium has left Sanders with some baggage that could come back to haunt her on the campaign trail. 
• Arkansas is guaranteed to vote Republican in 2024, so Trump doesn't need Sanders to win the state.

By Ron Hansen/Arizona Republic 

• The former TV newscaster has shown unflinching loyalty to Trump for years in the political arena. She describes herself as “Trump in heels,” and his supporters react to her as such. 
• As a woman, Lake adds a measure of gender diversity, which could help Trump attract female voters.
• She is generally liked by religious conservatives, who are a key part of the GOP base.  
• Lake is also running in a tight race for an open U.S. Senate seat in Arizona that Republicans are hoping to pick up in 2024.
• She has a penchant for gaffes and often diverges from her political message to dwell on her contempt for the media. 
• Lake’s election denialism has included a failed insistence in legal battles that she is the rightful winner of the governor’s race in 2022, undermining her credibility with some voters. 

By Savannah Moss/Greenville News 

• Mace has supported Trump in the past and has worked as a coalition director and field director for his campaign. In 2024, Mace endorsed Trump over former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, despite supporting Haley in the past. 
• Mace has toed the line between being a more traditional conservative voice in Congress and embracing the MAGA movement. Her political adaptability could help Trump target his message to moderate voters, particularly suburban women.  
• She has taken a more centrist stance on abortion access than much of the Republican Party, and she notably made headlines as a state legislator in 2019 for forcing colleagues to add exceptions for rape and incest into a South Carolina abortion law 
• Trump and Mace have a complicated history after he endorsed Katie Arrington, Mace’s challenger, in her reelection campaign in 2022. He called her “crazy” and a “terrible person” during a rally in South Carolina. 
• Mace condemned Trump after the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the Capitol, saying she wanted to see him held accountable. However, the two have been publicly supportive in recent years.
• Mace has been less focused on legislative accomplishments than some of her colleagues during her time in Congress and ex-staffers have alleged that she's looking for national attention.

Kristi Noem

By Shelly Conlon/Argus Leader 

• Noem has a long history of supporting Trump. She cast doubt on the validity of his loss to Biden in the 2020 election and gave the ex-president an early endorsement in 2024.  
• Unlike other VP contenders, Noem has political experience on the national and state level. She served four terms in the U.S. House of Representatives before running for the position she now holds: South Dakota’s governor. 
• As governor, she guided the state through the pandemic without statewide closures or shutdowns for most of COVID-19 and established a track record of conservative policy achievements.  
• In her recent autobiography, Noem included a passage about her decision to shoot a 14-month-old, disobedient hunting dog named Cricket as an example of her leadership skills. The story was widely viewed as a death-knell for her VP chances.  
• The book also bruised Noem’s credibility, after a series of anecdotes were questioned related to her relationship with foreign leaders such as North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un and French President Emanuel Macron .  
• She has faced allegations of abuse of power, including an investigation into whether her daughter, Kassidy Peters, received preferential treatment as she tried to get a real estate appraiser’s license. 

Vivek Ramaswamy

By Karissa Waddick/USA TODAY

• At just 38 years old, Ramaswamy would bring a youthful energy to the Trump campaign during an election year where age is a major concern for voters.  
• The former biotech entrepreneur is estimated to have a net worth of close to a billion dollars.
• Trump said Ramaswamy performed well in the GOP primary debates. The ex-president could view him as an asset in a sparring match with Vice President Kamala Harris.  
• Ramaswamy has cast himself as a MAGA 2.0 conservative, which may make it more difficult for Trump to wrangle support from moderate and swing voters. 
• He has no political or governing experience.  
• His history of promoting conspiracy theories would open him up to Democratic attacks. 

Marco Rubio

By Zac Anderson/USA TODAY

• A fluent Spanish speaker, Rubio could help Trump reach Hispanic voters who increasingly are trending Republican.  
• Rubio was a darling of the GOP establishment when he ran for president in 2016 and still appeals to many traditional Republicans, which could help Trump win over voters who have cast ballots for Nikki Haley in the primary. 
• Rubio’s considerable foreign policy experience could be an asset in an election where conflicts in Ukraine and Israel will be front and center 
• Because both Trump and Rubio live in Florida, under the U.S. Constitution the state’s GOP delegates can’t vote for them both. That means Rubio likely would have to move. Trump has mentioned this as a concern. 
• Some in Trump’s MAGA base still are suspicious of Rubio because of his past support for comprehensive immigration reform and nasty 2016 primary fight with Trump. 
• Florida isn’t considered a battleground state anymore, so selecting the senator wouldn’t help Trump carry a key swing state. 
• Among the only Black conservative lawmakers in Congress, Scott could help boost support for Trump’s campaign among diverse voting blocs. He launched a multimillion effort to convince Black and Latino voters to join the GOP earlier this year. 
• Although Scott has criticized Trump in the past, he has become a steadfast surrogate after dropping out of the 2024 Republican presidential race 
• He is a devout Christian, which could help Trump shore up support among the Republican Party’s evangelical base.  
• Scott’s low-key performances in the GOP presidential debates could draw concern about his ability to hold his own in a match up against Vice President Kamala Harris. 
• His 2024 campaign for the GOP presidential nomination was built on a message of hope, which runs counter to Trump’s campaign rhetoric that America is in decline.  
• Scott’s home state of South Carolina is not a general election battleground. 

Elise Stefanik

By Ken Tran/USA TODAY

• Stefanik has become a GOP superstar, and her candidacy as a 39-year-old woman could help the party reach female voters.
• As a House Republican leader, she has cultivated deep relationships with many lawmakers that could be a big help to rally support for a Trump White House’s agenda. 
• She has a proven ability to adapt at a moment's notice, a key skill for anyone working under the famously unpredictable Trump.  
• New York is still a deep blue state, and her presence on the ticket wouldn’t automatically help Trump reach voters in more consequential states.  
• Early on in her career, she rebuked Trump’s rhetoric and even voted against his signature 2017 tax cuts. 
• Trump might see her as a better fit to stay in the House as one of his liaisons on Capitol Hill. She hasn’t ruled out running for speaker. 

Marjorie Taylor Greene

By Maya Homan/USA TODAY

• Greene is one of Trump’s most fervent supporters in Congress. She would be a staunch ally on key issues, including abortion restrictions, immigration and gun rights. 
• She could help Trump appeal to female voters, a critical voting demographic he will need in the 2024 race. At age 50, she could help counterbalance concerns about the 78-year-old Trump. 
• Adding Greene to the ticket could help Trump carry Georgia, a key swing state that ultimately voted for Biden in the 2020 presidential election. She represents a district in the northwest corner of the state.  
• Greene is politically inexperienced and hasn't garnered a reputation for working on legislation. During her four years in Congress, Greene has yet to successfully pass a single bill into law.  
• If Trump regains the presidency, one of his most important relationships will be with House Republicans, many of whom Greene has publicly sparred with or antagonized during her two terms.  
• Her status as a MAGA Republican will be a challenge as Trump tries to secure moderate voters. 

By Haley BeMiller/Columbus Dispatch 

• Vance is one of Trump’s staunchest defenders. He often appears on mainstream media outlets – particularly CNN – to praise Trump and attack his opponents. 
• He is well-spoken and articulates the MAGA message in a persuasive way, which could serve him well in a debate with Vice President Kamala Harris. 
• Vance outlined his rags to riches story in his memoir “Hillbilly Elegy” which could be compelling to swing voters. The memoir also increased his national profile. 
• Vance is from Ohio, which is no longer considered a presidential battleground. Trump won the state in 2016 and 2020, and doesn’t need a VP nominee to make inroads with voters there.
• While Vance is young, he’s also another white man. He won’t necessarily help the Trump ticket appeal to Black or female voters.
• Vance was just elected to the Senate in 2022 and had no prior political experience.   

Glenn Youngkin

By Savannah Kuchar - Elizabeth Beyer /USA TODAY

• Youngkin has his own money – he amassed a small fortune and was called “one of the nation’s richest politicians” by Forbes after he won his 2021 election.  
• His 2021 victory in Virginia was somewhat of a surprise in a blue-trending state, and the governor has said it is “up for grabs” for Republicans in November.  
• Youngkin’s nice guy persona would balance Trump’s more inflammatory approach, but the governor has also bolstered his image as a conservative fighter. He has issued the most vetoes of any Virgina governor in history.  
• Trump and Youngkin have kept each other at arms length. Youngkin was able to keep the former president out of the commonwealth during his off-year 2021 campaign for governor.  
• Youngkin campaigned heavily on behalf of Republicans in state-level races in 2023, but his party failed to take back the state Senate or flip the House of Delegates. 
• Youngkin’s term as governor ends in January 2026. If he were on the ticket as VP and Trump wins, Youngkin would have to step down from his state office.  

• Career Advice
• Advancing in the Faculty

Supporting Dissertation Writers Through the Silent Struggle

While we want Ph.D. students to be independent, our practices can signal that we’re not available to support them when they need it, writes Ramon B. Goings.

By  Ramon B. Goings

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Consider the following discussion. A student tells me, “I have so much going on right now. I’m trying to write this dissertation, take care of my mom and raise my kids. I’m giving to everyone else and have nothing left to write.”

“Thanks for sharing,” I respond. “Have you reached out to your adviser to discuss what is happening and see what resources you might be able to access?”

“My adviser said they will meet with me when I have a document ready for them to review. They are too busy,” the student says. “I’ve just been struggling in silence and don’t know what to do.”

This conversation highlights the reality for many doctoral students—they may experience hardships in silence. The doctoral journey is an interesting experience during which students are provided structure through coursework and then, once they enter the dissertation phase, that structure is removed. They usually are in a position where they have to manage everything themselves.

As faculty members, we try to provide the space of intellectual curiosity for our students and allow them to explore their dissertation topics. However, while we want students to be independent, our practices can signal that we are not available to support them when they need it. What are some strategies that we should consider implementing to support our students who too often struggle in silence? Below are three that I have implemented in my chairing process.

Create an environment where students can share. Students want to meet our expectations and standards. Yet in efforts to not burden us, some students may choose not to reach out to us when they are experiencing challenges. In some instances, they also do not come to us due to the fear—and, at times, the reality—that they will face adverse consequence for doing so. While that can occur during the coursework phase, it is even more common when students are writing their dissertations, because they believe they must be independent scholars and figure everything out on their own.

To combat those situations, we as dissertation chairs must first create an environment where students can feel comfortable to share what they are going through. One simple way to foster that type of relationship is to first ensure that you make time to meet regularly with your advisees. While that may seem to be an obvious practice, I often hear from doctoral students, like the one in the opening vignette of this article, that they find it challenging just to get on their chair’s calendar. That can unintentionally signal to them that we as faculty members are not available. As a faculty member, I know we have many demands on our time. To support my students, I have dedicated times each week when students can meet with me as needed. Making the time consistent on my calendar allows me to ensure other activities do not get in the way of meeting with students. To be more efficient, I created a special Calendly meeting link that has time slots open for students to schedule.

Programs should also have regular faculty meetings to discuss student academic progress, along with any well-being challenges such as mental health and/or life challenges. Sometimes a student is more comfortable talking with a faculty member who is not on their dissertation committee, and having such conversations can provide a space for all faculty members to learn what is going on and potentially troubleshoot before a student’s difficulties gets worse.

Choose your words with care. As dissertation chairs, our words hold significant power with our advisees. Those words become even more important when our students are experiencing personal and/or professional challenges. To illustrate this point, I offer you one word that, when used, can be a trigger for students: concern.

Students have told me that if we use the word “concern” when talking with them, it signals something is drastically wrong with what they are doing. So if I am relaying information—especially feedback—to students, I ask myself the following before I speak:

• Is what I need to share truly a concern? For example, some students receive a concern comment when minor or moderate editorial changes—grammar, syntax, formatting and the like—are needed. While those must be fixed, they don’t usually rise to the level of concern that impacts the integrity of the study, a misalignment between the research questions and methodology.
• Can I express my thoughts in a more detailed way rather than just expressing concern? In the example above, if I thought the student’s editorial work needed updates, I would explain that to them and provide examples on how the student can make the changes that I am requesting.

I am certainly aware that interpretation is important, but while students can take feedback from us on their work, I have learned to be reflective about what I say. It can influence their self-confidence, a key component for completing the dissertation process.

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Understand your role is not a problem solver but solution facilitator. When I talk with other faculty members, some are quick to declare they are scientists, not therapists, so supporting their students’ distinct life challenges isn’t in their job description. I also agree that it’s not our role as faculty members to solve students’ problems for them. But we can provide a listening ear and, most of all, connect students to the various resources that can support them in their decision making.

For instance, a chair I know was advising a doctoral student who was communicative when writing their proposal and moved through the process fairly quickly. Then, after the student collected their data, the chair noticed that the student slowed down their progress and that when they met the student exhibited some uncharacteristic behaviors. Fortunately, the two had established a positive rapport, so the faculty member was able to learn that the student was unexpectedly taking on caregiving responsibilities for a sibling while experiencing some housing instability. In that case, the faculty member was able to connect the student with a campus resource for caregivers and, through it, the student was able to find housing support.

I know many faculty members are already engaging in the practices that I’ve suggested, but I continue to encounter doctoral students at the dissertation phase who are suffering in silence.

I invite you to share with me in conversations on X any other successful strategies you’ve implemented to support your doctoral students. My mission is to bring to light some of these ideas so we can make our graduate programs spaces where our students can flourish.

Ramon B. Goings ( @ramongoings ) is an associate professor in the language, literacy and culture doctoral program at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, and founder of Done Dissertation .

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Choosing Between a Structured or Conversational Interview

• Marlo Lyons

Both approaches have pros and cons — and can yield different insights about a candidate.

It’s critical to avoid the financial burden of making a wrong hire. Two approaches to conducting interviews — structured and conversational — can yield different insights about a candidate. While structured interviews make it easier to compare candidate responses and help ensure each interviewer covers distinct areas without redundancy, they may fall short in uncovering the candidate’s communication style and adaptability to change in a real-world setting. Conversational interviews offer a unique opportunity to get to know a candidate better by engaging them in a discussion about a real problem your organization is facing or has faced, but they can also present greater opportunities for bias to creep in. Here’s what each interview method can reveal about a candidate and when you might want to use them.

Interviewing candidates involves more than assessing their hard and soft skills — it’s crucial to choose the right method to gain a comprehensive understanding of their potential long-term fit for the team and company. During my time in human resources, I frequently encountered new hires who possessed extensive experience and expertise but struggled to adapt, which ultimately benefited no one. This mismatch often stemmed from a lack of alignment between the candidate’s values and the company’s environment and core principles, as well as the hiring manager’s lack of understanding about a candidate’s long-term career aspirations and motivations.

• Marlo Lyons is a career, executive, and team coach, as well as the award-winning author of Wanted – A New Career: The Definitive Playbook for Transitioning to a New Career or Finding Your Dream Job . You can reach her at marlolyonscoaching.com .

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