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How to select a brilliant research topic

Article · October 2018

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Matthias Havenaar
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How to select a brilliant research topic

Matthias Havenaar, M.Sc., M.Phil. (cantab.)

Great research topics range from the immensely profound to the utterly wicked. And it can be
argued that the best research topics often come from pure, natural inspiration. But what is
inspiration? Mozart described inspiration as subconscious thoughts that “fire the soul.”
Inspiration can hit you in bed late at night, after drinking a cup of coffee in the morning, or
even while enjoying a pint at the pub. But what do you do when you’re lacking inspiration?
Luckily, since all brilliant research topics have a few things in common, we can pinpoint
these elements so you can power through the daze and find that perfect, high-quality topic for
yourself—even without inspiration.

1. Be original

While a research topic like “gender inequality on campus” might appeal to you, consider that
this might not be the most original of topics. Try to avoid ideas that anyone could have come
up with. Instead, develop a habit to read scientific literature regularly. This will help you
come up with interesting ideas thanks to a constant exposure to new information. In these
competitive times, finding a novel research topic is becoming harder and harder, so
originality is of the utmost importance.

Mistake: Selecting a research topic directly from the discussion of a recent paper

Research papers often tell you exactly what further research should focus on. While it may
seem smart to heed the suggestion, choosing such topics is far from original. A brilliant paper
will need to be both smart and original.
2. The topic must appeal to you

Logically, a research topic must appeal to you, the researcher. It is incredibly hard to write
passionately about a topic that does not ignite your interest. So think about what excited you
about your field of study in the first place, then work your way to a topic from there. If you
select a topic that is close to your heart, it will maximise the chance that you will remain
enthusiastic while executing your study.

Mistake: Letting your supervisor choose a research topic for you

Yes, your supervisor will have a better overview of the field, and they might have strong
ideas on what you should focus on. However, working on your own ideas is much more
rewarding in the long run.

3. Must be feasible

Think about the strategies that must be undertaken to perform a study on your chosen topic.
What experiments would you carry out to get a result? This is probably the second most
important part of selecting a research topic: is it feasible? Do you have the budget and time
necessary? If the research topic is quite broad, perhaps you can focus on a subquestion within
the larger theme. Try to see the research topic as a starting point—your paper doesn’t need to
cover everything at once. Also, it is important to think about the likely outcome. Will it still
be worth publishing even if the outcome is not what you expected?

Mistake: Underestimate complexity, timelines, and required budget

Make an effort to have a realistic plan for the execution of your study. It’s easy to
underestimate the complexity, timelines, and budget, but if you plan in advance, your chances
for success are far greater. Also, consider that simple experiments are often seen as more
elegant than complex ones. The goal is to find the E=MC2 in your experimental design.
 4. Must be relevant

Your research subject needs to be relevant to the field. Even articles that have an absurd
topic are often relevant to the field. Publishing will be very difficult if others do not find your
research paper a worthwhile read. In addition, the paper must also be relevant for your own
career. The topic you choose will become part of your bibliography, so consider if your
chosen topic is likely to help you get ahead.

Mistake: Sticking with your original research question, no matter what

While going through the literature, you may decide you want to stray away from your
original question. Do not be afraid to pivot and change your research topic while still in the
early stages — sometimes inspiration can be triggered by the research itself.

5. And finally…

After choosing your brilliant research topic, finding a good supervisor can make or break
your research. If at all possible, first select your research topic and then select your supervisor
accordingly. This will increase the chances that you will be supervised by the right person for
your topic. A positive research atmosphere and relationship can lift you up even when results
are flat and inspiration is low.

Originally published on: https://www.castoredc.com/blog/research-topic/

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