Developing a Dissertation Topic

From the moment you step onto campus, you might be bombarded with inquiries about choosing dissertation topics. And this is for good reason. You can't complete your degree without it and it just might help you land a job once you do graduate. Deciding on the right topic can make writing, researching, and networking for a career much easier. You want to think long and hard about your subject matter before you begin. Use these tips and tricks to find the right topic for a successful dissertation. 

Brainstorming Tips

You will want to begin by brainstorming research topic ideas. Thinking of one off the top of your head can be daunting. Instead, use these tips to get your mind moving in the right direction.

Read Other Dissertations

Browsing through previous graduate dissertations can give you a sense of the topics that work well in your subject area. While you won't use these exact ideas, you can branch-off from them to create your own original research.

Go Over Coursework

A dissertation topic should be a conclusion to your years of study. So, you might find a topic hidden without your coursework. You will also have some information already on the topic from your notes to start your research.

Look at Current Research

Your dissertation should be written about a subject that is new enough that there are still revelations to reveal yet popular enough to be desired. Find these types of current topics in recent research papers.

Start With a General Subject Then Narrow It

The best way to know how to find a research topic is to use a progressive approach to brainstorming by starting with a general topic. This most likely will be your primary subject of study like nursing. Then narrow your search down to a more specific topic like hospice care. Continue until you come up with a topic that is precise but broad enough to have enough information to research.

Discuss Options With Your Supervisor or a Professional

If you feel really stumped, there are people to help. Speak to your college adviser or use a writing service to help you narrow down your search.

Questions to Ask About Your Dissertation Topic

Once you have several topics in mind it is time to begin the process of choosing a research topic. You want to ask yourself several questions to make sure the topic will be successful. 

Is it Relevant?

Your topic should relate to your degree. This may be obvious, but you want to showcase to the dissertation panel how you evolved through your program. This will also make it easier to write since you should be familiar with most topics in your subject matter. 

Are You Passionate?

Do not choose a topic that you think will impress your colleges or teachers. You want to pick a topic that excites you. Your research will encourage you rather than feel like a chore. 

Do You Have Prior Knowledge?

Starting from scratch with a topic you are completely unfamiliar with takes more time and effort. Instead, choose one that you already have some knowledge of and maybe even some research already started. 

Is it a Manageable Workload?

You will also want to think about the amount of work involved in your topic. Does it require traveling to conduct research? Is there enough readily available information on the topic? And will you be able to organize the topic if it is too complex or broad?

Is it Current, Yet Unique?

There are two major issues that you want to avoid. Do not write about something irrelevant because it is too old. And avoid being too common. Find a middle ground where something is known but not yet explored. 

What is Your Intention?

You are writing for a purpose. What do you want your readers to learn? Think about what it exposes, solves, or creates. It should serve society and/or academia in some way.

Does it Meet the Requirements

The most important aspect of a topic is if it will be accepted by the graduation board. So, make sure that it adheres to all the requirements of your school before moving forward. 

Researching Methods

Once you have your topic to research it is time to think about execution. The research method will help you organize the structure of your paper and serve as your source generator. Your research method will depend on your topic. There may be enough secondary resources like research papers, statistics, and case studies available to source. Or you might have to conduct your own primary research using interviews, surveys, and your own case studies.  Secondary research will take less time as it only requires a lot of reading and analyzing other's work. Primary research takes time to coordinate and arrange with interviewees and subjects. You may need to combine both methods in order to fill the gaps in your research. This all depends on how much information you have access to and the purpose of your paper.  You may need quantitative data to back up your anecdotal findings, but no scientific studies have been conducted.  Or you may have statistics available, but your paper concerns qualitative examples. Be prepared by knowing what research is needed to complete your project in time and with accuracy. 

Finalizing Your Topic

Remember that dissertation topics are not set in stone. You must get them approved by your advisor before proceeding. If yours get rejected or you decide to go in another direction, do not get discouraged. Follow this guide again to determine another topic until you find the right one. And if you need extra help, order customized assistance for your dissertation.