A good starting point for any research paper is choosing the right topic. Unlike before, when teachers would assign topics to investigate, many teachers now allow students to pick what they like. While this is a much better scenario than in the past, not all students know how or what to choose.
If you are facing a similar dilemma, read on for some suggestions to pick your topic.
Questions to ask yourself
As you think about what you’d like to research on, consider some of these questions:
- What field/s are you interested in?
It is always good to pick something you like. So if you are into sports or video games or medicine or architecture, try reading about what is available. The more you read, the more you will have an idea of what you should do.
- What has already been done?
The purpose of your research is to discover something “new.” So it does not make sense to just copy the researches of others. The only time this might be applicable is if there is an important variable you can change.
- Is this relevant to my community or society in general?
Research papers are not just made for any reason. There has to be some significance to it. For example, confirming whether or not Lego blocks have changed over the years is probably useless to the general public. So think about what people may need to know.
- Are there enough resources?
Even if you have a great idea, if there are not enough resources, you will not be able to move forward. Most teachers require at least three sources per argument or angle. So as you do your initial reading, confirm if there are enough sources for what you need.
Some topics to consider
In case you still need some help thinking about a topic, you may select from the following:
History
- How did steam change the world of trade?
- Why were many of the past rulers so cruel?
- Which was worse, building the pyramids or building the Great Wall?
- How spies altered the outcome of major wars?
- The triggers for the major revolutions of the past
- Is Europe still suffering from the after-effects of the two World Wars?
Education
- Just how important is it to know more than one language today?
- Are college graduates really prepared for work?
- Why are companies asking for graduate degrees before promotion?
- Are student-athletes really studying, or are universities giving them a “pass” in school?
- Are elementary teachers today too lenient?
- How do teachers deal with students who know more than them?
Relationships
- Is there an ideal age gap between spouses?
- How can couples survive in a long-distance relationship?
- Can speed dating lead to a lasting relationship?
- Are teens closer to their parents today than before?
- What can be done to lessen divorce rates in the country?
- How can a parent tell if their teen is responsible enough to date?
Summary
It takes time to come up with a good topic. Therefore, consider the advice above and the given sample topics to help you with your choice.