Selecting a Research Topic
- Lilianna Shank
- Oct 12, 2021
- 2 min read
Resources to help find a research topic:
Finding a research topic is one of the hardest parts of this process but the best way is to break it up into pieces. Although I am giving advice on this topic through an undergraduate Ronald E. McNair scholar point of view, the advice for any other start of a research project will likely be the same! The bullet points listed below under each section are to help narrow down the direction you are wanting to follow!
Interests
Finding your own individual interests can be easy but translating it into a research topic is the tricky part. Narrow down to what you find yourself questioning or thinking about the most and align that to your interests. You wouldn't want to work on a chemistry project if you are more interested in psychology! Here are some tips to gain an insight on how to even begin this process!
Use your major as an indication of something you would like to research.
Think of problems you would want to solve.
Is there a lack of data in a topic you're interested in?...Could you add more data to it?
Is there a current social or cultural issue arising?
Decide what type of research data you want to collect...Qualitative or Quantitative?
Research faculty members and the type of research they are interested in...does this align with your interests?
Research if resources are available to ensure your project completion.
McIntyre Library
Here at UWEC, I was able to use our library as a way to gain more resources and databases when looking for a topic in a certain subject. This allows you to gain more knowledge of what types of research can be done based on a search engine that corresponds to specific words you type in. Using the library also relieves pressure and anxiety of "where to start" since the librarians are knowledgeable on all topics and resources.
Utilize librarians who are knowledgeable in specific majors at your university.
Ask for support in using the library's database.
Using the database, search specifically in the subject line of your interests.
Key words are essential when researching as they help narrow down topics.
Look at past research and see if you could add updated data.
Look at past research data...could you add to it and use different demographics?
Communication
Here at UWEC, undergraduate students find a faculty member in their field of study to be along aside them as they develop their research project. Communication is key when it comes to finding an advisor or mentor for this specific project. Reaching out to professors or leaders you think would best fit you is the only way they are going to know you'd like to work with them. Rejection is essential at this point as it helps specify which professor will help you long term in your research.
Set up a meeting with your professors in your area of interests.
Research professor's past research and see if it is also an interest of yours.
Ask to "interview" them to see if your knowledge and personalities match.
Meet with them multiple times to grasp an understanding of their work...you are going to be with them for awhile so understanding each other is important.
Communicate time commitments, financial aspects, and extra involvement needed for potential research.
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