Many students spend days and nights to come up with an interesting PhD dissertation, but they don’t spend ample time in selecting the right topic. Many students have the misconception that the topic of a dissertation is not as important as the content of the paper, which is why they give less emphasis to the topic and more emphasis to the analysis and evaluation of sources. Analysis and evaluation are important, no doubt, but if the research topic is not interesting, no lecturer or subject matter expert would be enthusiastic to read the paper. First impression counts; so, select a topic that is neither too well-researched nor too unique. A research topic can either make or break your PhD dissertation; so, be careful about your topic.
If you select a topic that is very common, you will neither be able to impress the reader nor add value to the existing knowledge bank. Since many people have written on that topic or subject matter, it will be difficult to look at the topic in a different light. On the other hand, if you select a topic that is unique, you may not find ample materials for reference. Then, you may not be able to carry out in-depth research, analyses and evaluation. And this will affect your grade significantly.
Another important factor to consider while selecting a research topic is your interest. Ask yourself the following questions: (a) What am I really interested in? (b) What do I hope to achieve at the end of the research process? (c) Am I excited to explore the field in greater depth? (d) Am I ready to face any challenges that may come my way while conducting research?
Identifying your interest and goals are important for the success of your PhD dissertation. Only if you are genuinely interested in a topic will you face challenges and setbacks that may come your way. If you are not keen on a topic, there is a huge possibility that you may give up when the going gets tough. If you are still unsure of the topic, consult your supervisor or colleagues in your university, and they will be able to assist you.
To put it simply, a good dissertation topic should allow you to produce a professional piece of work within a stipulated time, without burning a hole in your pocket.
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