A Quick Guide To Picking Your Dissertation Topic

The topic of your dissertation can either make it or break it, so it’s of the utmost importance that you choose the right one. This isn’t an easy task, but it’d not impossible either. This quick guide can help you choose just the right topic to help you write an absolutely epic dissertation.

Look for holes in the current knowledge

The best place to start your search for an excellent topic for your dissertation is to look for holes in the current knowledge in your field of study. Keep your eyes open for any themes that haven’t been studied. Also, be on the look out for any mention by other researchers that a particular theme hasn’t been properly explored. Take note of all of these gaps and holes in the knowledge, as they can lead your to a brilliant theme for your thesis.

Determine your interests

Once you have a good idea of where the holes in the current research lie, you need to determine what your own interests are. What are you passionate about? Make a list of these interests and compare them to the gaps in the existing research, some of them are bound to overlap.

Make a list of potential topics

It’s these themes that overlap that you need to write down, as they are perfect candidates for your dissertation topic. So, make a list of all of the themes that meet both criteria discussed above.

Rework them into research questions

Now, you need to rework each of the potential themes on your list into potential research questions. Discard any that can’t be reworked into research questions.

Ensure all the entries on your list are suitable

Next, you need to ensure that all the themes on your list meet the following criteria of a good dissertation topic:

• Manageable

The theme should be manageable given your budget, time frame and working conditions.

• Achievable

The theme must be achievable in terms of your own abilities and skill set.

• Significant

The theme should be significant in your field of study, either theoretically or practically.

• Researchable

The theme must be researchable in practice.

• Original

While originality is not a hard and fast requirement, as replication is an option, originality is normally a better option than replication of existing work.

Choose one

Now that you’ve trimmed down your list to a set of suitable themes, you need to settle on one and get started.