Hi. Nice to see another social worker here.

Choosing a research topic depends on several factors, especially in the social sciences because humans are involved. Here are some of those important factors:

1. Measurability of constructs: A construct cannot be seen but it exists. For example- job satisfaction. Job satisfaction can also be measured using a scale. It is better for first time researchers to choose a topic that includes a construct for which a standardised scale already exists.

2. Need for this study: A researcher must determine whether there is a need for a particular study or not. It's better for first time researchers to choose a topic that is familiar to them and on which some previous or related research exists so that they are not completely lost. At the same time, their research must include something unique that previous studies just haven't examined. For this, the researcher must review previous studies, identify the research gap, and attempt to fill that gap using his/her own research.

3. Accessibility to respondents: Before choosing a research topic, the researcher must ensure that he/she can secure the required number of respondents for their study. Securing respondents in the case of some topics is easier than others. It's better to opt for a topic that involves a group of people whom the researcher can easily access.

4. Time and money: Learning to do research is like learning to drive. One cannot expect to become a pro F1 rider from the word go. Therefore, it is better to start slow and choose a topic that is easy to do within the available time and money.

5. Interest: This is highly an underrated and sometimes overlooked point. First time researchers must always choose a topic that they are interested in. Otherwise, the whole process of research might feel like one big punishment.

Here are some of my suggestions based on the information you have provided us:

1. A comparative study on the quality of life of the homeless and those who have been rehabilitated in your country.

2. Racial discrimination faced by one group of individuals at the hands of the police when compared to other racial groups in your country.

3. Job satisfaction among social workers in your country vs another country.

Additionally, you can use this link to choose the scales that you want to use. This link contents almost all the scales in the world right now. https://scales.arabpsychology.com

All the best.

Thank you Rama, this is really helpful.

Hello Ogbe,

I would lean towards #1 because my research interest lies within educational equity in secondary schools and also my interest in equity, diversity and inclusion. I think with #1 you have to think about the reason you want to promote equity and inclusion in the Human Services Organization and in what capacity. This means equity and inclusion in an underrepresented group of people or equity and inclusion of culturally relevant pedagogy. So you can try and identify a specific aspect/area within Human Services Organization/s that you want to focus on and research how you can suggest ways to promote equity and inclusion within it. Also in any Ph.D. program, your advisor is there to help you come up with a researchable topic. All the best on this new journey.