How to Select a PhD Research Topic?

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How to Select a PhD Research Topic?

Selecting an appropriate PhD research topic is a starting point in a doctoral process.

Selection of relevant PhD research topic

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Introduction

Selecting an appropriate PhD research topic is a starting point in a doctoral process. A clearly defined and unique research topic not only adds to the body of knowledge but also maintains the doctoral candidate’s interest and motivation over a period of intense Academic mentorship spanning many years. Luse, Mennecke, and Townsend (2012) state that the selection process must balance personal interests, academic significance, feasibility, and uniqueness. This paper distils evidence from academic literature to offer a systematic process for the identification and development of a PhD research topic

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Example topics:

Personal Interests and Long-Term Aspirations

Personal interest is perhaps the most important factor in choosing a topic with Research originality. A doctoral course of study takes three to six years on average; hence, a strong underlying passion for the topic can assist in maintaining motivation during difficult periods. Luse et al. (2012) also argue that students who select areas that relate to their long-term goals and areas of interest are more likely to succeed in their courses. In the same line, Phillips and Pugh (2010) recommend that one should think about career goals, their own goals, and intrinsic motivation before deciding on a research topic [1] [2]

Conduct an Extensive Literature Review

A systematic literature review enables students to grasp the terrain of ongoing research, such as prevailing debates, prevailing theories, and methodological trends. It is also useful in determining gaps to be filled by new research (Boote & Beile, 2005). Literature review is not a fixed entity; it is an evolving process that dictates the course of developing the research topic over time. Through analysis of what has been studied before, researchers are able to avoid duplication and work towards making new contributions [3].

Determining Research Gap

Finding gap is crucial for meaningful and original research. Original does not mean coming up with something from scratch, since Rowley and Slack (2004) argue that it may involve applying established theories in new settings, bringing two fields together, or discovering overlooked problems. The FINER criteria—Feasible, Interesting, Novel, Ethical, and Relevant—can be a great checklist at this point [4] [5].

Example topics:

  • Topic 1: User Acceptance of AI-Blockchain-Based Electronic Health Records Management System Enhanced: A Mixed method study.
  • Research gap: While blockchain technology shows promise in healthcare, studies often overlook the specific factors influencing adoption and integration among healthcare professionals and patients.
  • Topic 2: Factors influencing Blockchain Acceptance, Adoption, and Integration in Healthcare: A User-centric Acceptance Model Perspective.
  • Research Gap: While blockchain technology shows promise in healthcare, studies often overlook the specific factors influencing adoption and integration among healthcare professionals and patients.

Consider Feasibility and Scope

After a topic has been selected, an evaluation of its feasibility is most critical. This involves a consideration of available resources, such as data, funds, time, equipment, and access to respondents or field sites. Olalere (2014) stresses the necessity of choosing a “tractable” topic—a topic that can be handled within the available time and institutional resources. Doctoral supervision also need to consider the Research methodology skills needed for the topic and whether proper training exists [6].

Make it Academically and Practically Relevant

Relevance of a topic goes beyond academia. A suitable PhD topic frequently resolves a critical issue of society or addresses a gap in knowledge that has practical consequences. Walden University (2020) emphasizes that effective research tends to be theoretically informed and practically relevant. Applicants need to ask themselves if their research can have an impact on policy, inform industry practices, or enhance well-being at the community level.

Consult Experts

Supervisors, faculty, and peers should be consulted to obtain essential insights at the stage of PhD research topic selection. Mentors can comment on feasibility, contribution of topics, and novelty. They might also recommend readings, theoretical approaches, or data that were initially not considered. Lovitts (2005) states that comments from seasoned mentors greatly improve the quality of doctoral research proposals [7].

Define Ethical Implications

Every doctor’s research is expected to adhere to ethics, especially when human subjects, confidential information, or experiments are used. Ethical review committees (IRBs) help ensure proposals meet the standard of ethics. Incorporating ethics during the choice of topic avoids subsequent difficulties. It means obtaining informed consent, protecting the data from viewing by others, and limiting damage to participants [8].

Refinement

Lastly, the selection of topic is not an absolute choice. It is a circular process that can change depending on additional readings, pilot studies, or initial data collection. Luse et al. (2012) recommend that researchers be flexible and adaptive, rewriting and rewriting the research questions as one’s knowledge advances. Being open to modification ensures the creation of a stronger and more effective Doctoral dissertation [1].

Conclusion

Choosing a PhD research topic is a multifaceted yet important process that influences the whole doctoral journey. It is a question of trade off among academic scrutiny, personal curiosity, practical usability and ethical responsibility. With a proper literature review, identification of research gaps, expert consultation, and testing of feasibility, doctoral candidates may come up with a topic that is both important and feasible.

References:

  1. Luse, A., Mennecke, B., & Townsend, A. (2012). Selecting a Research Topic: A Framework for Doctoral Students. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 7, 143–152. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/274071371_Selecting_a_Research_Topic_A_Framework_for_Doctoral_Students
  2. Phillips, E. M., & Pugh, D. S. (2010). How to Get a PhD: A Handbook for Students and Their Supervisors. McGraw-Hill Education. https://lahore.comsats.edu.pk/library/hub/How_to_get_PhD.pdf
  3. Boote, D. N., & Beile, P. (2005). Scholars before researchers: On the centrality of the dissertation literature review in research preparation. Educational Researcher, 34(6), 3–15. https://writing.uwo.ca/img/pdfs/Scholars%20Before%20Researchers.pdf
  4. Rowley, J., & Slack, F. (2004). What is the future for knowledge management? A view from the UK. International Journal of Information Management, 24(2), 121–138. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/242093125_What_future_knowledge_management_users_may_expect
  5. Hulley, S. B., Cummings, S. R., Browner, W. S., Grady, D. G., & Newman, T. B. (2013). Designing Clinical Research. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. https://tilda.tcd.ie/epidemiology-biostatistics-course/course-material/assets/Class2/Designingclinicalresearch_4th-edition.pdf
  6. Olalere, A. A., De Iulio, E., Aldarbag, A. M., & Erdener, M. A. (2014). The dissertation topic selection of doctoral students using dynamic network analysis. International Journal of Doctoral Studies, 9, 85-107. Retreived from http://ijds.org/Volume9/IJDSv9p085-107Olalere521.pdf
  7. Lovitts, B. E. (2005). Being a good course‐taker is not enough: A theoretical perspective on the transition to independent research. Studies in Higher Education, 30(2), 137–154. https://sci-hub.se/https://doi.org/10.1080/03075070500043093
  8. Resnik, D. B. (2011). What is ethics in research & why is it important? National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. https://www.niehs.nih.gov/research/resources/bioethics/whatis
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