Choosing and Narrowing Research Topics

Three Tests

• Debatable (Other points of view exists) 值得商榷，有争议的
• Plausible (supportable by valid evidence) 合理
• Consequential (outcome is significant)

Try to choose a topic that aroused your interest and prior learning

Theme (Slant, focus, point of view, unifying idea), Place (), Time () comprise to a good question:

Example: Under whose laws should be the employees of Blackwater USA be held accountable?

Process:

1. Identify broad area research;
2. Find the research topic that covered by the dissertation committee or dissertation chair;
3. Also, fit your own personal interest;
4. Review available literature, the concept will be narrowed to what you found most interesting;
5. Ask some questions:
   • what's already been done?
   • what methods have not worked?
   • what methods have others found?
   • What is missing from the literature?
   • What are the next steps?
6. Identify a research problem and questions.
7. Determine which theoretical perspective fits your study best
8. Determine what method you use

Suggestions:

1. Dissertation process is an iterative one
2. Write, revise, revise, revise, revise more before finalize;
3. Accept & embrace feedback
4. Ask questions
5. Keep it together
6. interest not equal to emotional investment
7. Use your committee
8. Slove just a piece of the problem