Selecting a Topic. Introduction l In this presentation we will: l Introduce the process of selection...

Selecting a TopicSelecting a Topic

IntroductionIntroduction

In this presentation we will: Introduce the process of selection

of a topic; Consider the contents of a

research proposal.

The Scope of a Research The Scope of a Research projectproject Selecting a topic for study is one of

the most difficult tasks faced by a researcher.

Generally people set their targets too high:– scope;– discoveries.

The Scope of a Research The Scope of a Research projectproject It is surprising to many first-time

researchers just how little can be achieved in a research project.

Most MSc /MA proposals attempt far too much and have to be restricted in order to obtain the required depth of study.

You can not expect to change the construction

industry on the basis of 200 hours work!

The Scope of a Research The Scope of a Research projectproject Seek advise from more experienced

researchers (your supervisor) to quantify what is achievable in the time constraints that you have identified.

YOU are the most important person involved with the research project.

YOU will have to live with the decision YOU make concerning YOUR project.

Subject SelectionSubject Selection

This will be the starting point for most of you.

In general all subjects offer opportunities for research.

However, in the context of your MSc / MA programme you are restricted to subjects that are “related to the pathway” you are studying.


Even with this restriction, possibilities are still vast.

Thus subject selection can be seen as a process of progressive narrowing and refinement.

Many believe that this process is one of strategy!


If you agree with this approach then the process can be helped by the use of strategic tools such as:

SWOT analyses; PEST factors.


Strengths:– of the researcher;– of the organisation.

Weaknesses;– of the researcher;– of the organisation.


Opportunities:– topical issues within the industry;– opportunities within an organisation.

Threats:– unavailability of data;– cost.

Identification of Opportunities and Threats can be aided by PEST factors.


Political Economic Social Technical


It is often a sound strategy to build on strengths and overcome weaknesses in order to take advantage of opportunities and eliminate threats.


In selecting a topic for a research project it is often useful to draw up a number of lists.

Topics of interest to YOU.– Sustainability;– Facilities Management requirements

for high street banks.


Personal strengths and weaknesses.– Good at economics, weak at math's

and stat’s.– experienced in contracting not in

design. Certain strengths and weaknesses

could influence the choice of topic directly, others may influence the methodologies available.


Note: Whilst building on strengths is good, a research project that extends your knowledge and expertise in a currently weak area could provide you with greater opportunities in the long run.


Topics of current interest:– what is in the technical press?– what are the ‘hot’ topics of the day?

»Urban Regeneration;»Globalisation;»Modern Methods of Manufacture;»Sustainability etc.

Adopting such topics can ease data collection.


Other criteria to consider are:– Access to data.– Desires of employers.– Expertise of potential supervisors.– Constraints and resources available.


It is best if the lists contain raw ideas not sophisticated evaluations.– The ideas will have to be restricted

because of time constraints. Most ideas come from ‘brain-

storming’ in a group or amongst colleagues.

Don’t force the issue.

A Tentative TitleA Tentative Title

Once you have produced your various lists you have to begin the process of evaluation.

Let the suggested topics be the driving force in the evaluation and the constraints be the parametric factors defining the limits and extent of what may be done.


When considering each topic it is useful to address the following questions:

What do YOU want to achieve?– Get a good mark for your dissertation;– Extend your understanding in a subject;– Broaden your understanding in a subject.

This should lead to the identification of a broad subject area.


What do YOU want to find out? This concerns the selection of a

particular topic within the broad subject area previously identified.

Examine each topic on your list that falls within the broad area against the lists of personal factors and constraints.


From this process you should be able to narrow your original list down to two or three topics which you can now evaluate in greater detail.

Consult literature; Examine terminology/data needs. Discuss with potential supervisors.


Don’t be dismayed if a topic has already been studied.

An integral part of research is replication.– Tangential approach;– Temporal displacement;– Physical displacement.


The process of selection will take some time to complete.

However it is an integral part of the research process and should not be rushed.

At the end of the process you should be able to write a tentative research project title.

ExampleExample(Bell 193)(Bell 193)

ExampleExample

The following example is taken from Bell (1993) and, although she doesn’t follow exactly the same process as outlined in the presentation, I believe her approach is close enough to illustrate the general process.

ExampleExample

She presents the following scenario. As an academic working in higher

education she is interested in researching a subject related to mature students.

The first thing she has to do is to refine the broad subject area down to a more specific project.

Example (Brainstorm list)Example (Brainstorm list)

Barriers to learning:– Timetabling;– Mode of delivery;– Age at entry;– Previous academic history;– Family profile– Student support mechanisms

Example (SWOT)Example (SWOT)

Strengths– Experience, Availability of subject group

Weaknesses– Controversial, Lack of control.

Opportunities– Topical, life-long education.

Threats– Opposition of colleagues/university.

Example (Refining ideas) Example (Refining ideas)

Build on the strengths, overcome weaknesses, take advantage of opportunities eliminate threats.

A project which:– uses current students;– not controversial;– life long learning;– useful to the university.


Timetabling; Uses current students Non controversial Life long learning Useful to university


Modes of delivery; Uses current students Non controversial Life long learning Useful to university


Age at entry; Uses current students Non controversial Life long learning Useful to university


Previous academic history; Uses current students Non controversial Life long learning Useful to university


Family profile Uses current students Non controversial Life long learning Useful to university


Student support systems: Uses current students Non controversial Life long learning Useful to university

Example (Brainstorming)Example (Brainstorming)

The SWOT analysis identifies a number of potential problems, particularly relating to the controversial nature of some of the data required.

However, overall the project would appear achievable.

SummarySummary

In this presentation we have examined a process by which a suitable topic for research may be selected.

The process is one of narrowing down and refining ideas.

Next… Aims and Objectives.Further Reading: Bell chapter 2

Selecting a Topic. Introduction l In this presentation we will: l Introduce the process of selection...

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