Selection of research topic

RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

Learning objectives1. Examine the importance of a research

programme2. Describe different types of research topics.3. Understand the rationale in selecting a

research topic4. List the criteria for selecting a research topic.5. Identify and select your own topic for

research based on certain guidelines.

Lesson-2

LESSON TWO

SELECTION OF RESEARCH TOPIC

Problem Identification

• Why research is required?– Difference or discrepancy between what it is and

what it should be;– Reason for this difference is unclear (research

question);– There can be more than one possible and

plausible answer to the question (or solution to the problem).

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Types of Research Topic

• Unanswered question

• Unsolved question• Concern• Query• Statement of

inquiry

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• Personal interest• Social problem• Testing theory• Prior research• Program evaluation• Human service

practice• Minorities in

research

Criteria for Selecting a Topic• Relevance:

– The topic you choose should be a priority problem: Questions to be asked include:• How large or widespread is the problem?• Who is affected?• How severe is the problem?

• Avoidance of duplication: Investigate whether the topic has been already researched

• Feasibility: Consider the complexity of the problem and the resources you will require to carry out the study.

• Political acceptability: It is advisable to research a topic that has the interest and support of the authorities.

• Applicability of possible results and recommendations• Urgency of data needed• Ethical acceptability – religious issues, racial conflicts,

cast problems Lesson-2

Scales for Rating Research Topics

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Factor Rating1 2 3

Relevance Not relevant Relevant Very relevant

Avoidance of duplication

Sufficient information already available

Some information available but major issues not covered

No sound information available on which to base problem-solving

Feasibility Study not feasible considering available resources

Study feasible considering available resources

Study very feasible considering available resources

Political acceptability Topic not acceptable Topic somewhat acceptable

Topic fully acceptable

Applicability No chance of recommendations being implemented

Some chance of recommendations being implemented

Good chance of recommendations being implemented

Urgency of data needed Information not urgently needed

Information could be used but a delay of some months would be acceptable

Data very urgently needed for decision-making

Ethical acceptability Major ethical problems Minor ethical problems No ethical problems

Rating Sheet

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Criteria for selecting a research topic

Proposed Topic

Social Problem 1 Social Problem 2 Social Problem 3

RelevanceAvoidance of duplicationFeasibility

Political acceptabilityApplicability

Urgency of data neededEthical acceptability

Total

Limitations in Deciding a Research Project

• Time constraint• Financial considerations• Anticipating and avoiding

problems• Equipment limitations• Views of Supervisor• Cost Vs. Benefit• Lack of understanding of the

problem perspective• Lack of knowledge on related

theories• Social environment

Lesson-2