Now I am working on PhD proposal and I have around 4 topics. I am stuck here for two weeks and don't know how to proceed and decide on one topic. I am thinking about criteria like: job opportunities, my personal interest and professional development. They are almost the same for my 4 topics.
My question is: how do/did you decide on your PhD topic? what criteria do/did you use to select one? what criteria you do/did NOT use to select one?
If you want to decide on a PhD research topic, you should take care of the following points
1- The topic should be distinct:
2- Avoid boring topics:
3- Moving away from ambiguity in the subject of the message:
4- Distance from topics for which adequate scientific references are not available:
5- Distance from the issues around which the dispute intensifies:
There are multiple answers to this question but sometimes it is good to look for a void or an open niche in the area of interest. Thank you!
I agree with Scott Mavers . Sometimes one should take into consideration the interests of your supervisor(s) as well. You'll get the best result when your supervisor is interested in & has a background in the topic.
I had a professor who advised me to ‘read widely, but not wildly’ in my field in order to find something interesting to me and at the same time relevant. As mentioned by Rhianon Allen the supervisors play a major role.
What does " read widely but not wildly "mean? Please explain @Olutayo_Osunsan
Dear Hanan Abdulhameed
According to me, while preparing a proposal for a PhD position, I particularly contemplate my individual skills, experiences and interests which I have gained throughout my bachelors and masters. And, based on that analysis, I adjudicated to figure out my field of study. It's also highly essential to look for employment possibilities. As you have 4 topics and not able to decide which one you should prefer, I suggest you prioritize those topics based on your interest and job opportunities, after a particular point of time, if those fields are correlated, you can collaboratively work on that, which will definitely expand your research horizon.
Thanks and All the very best!
Do note that all research has the possibility of unforeseen changes. Your Ph.D. is not that plannable. You might end up researching different gaps with different methods than planned :-).
If you want to decide on a PhD research topic, you should take care of the following points
1- The topic should be distinct:
2- Avoid boring topics:
3- Moving away from ambiguity in the subject of the message:
4- Distance from topics for which adequate scientific references are not available:
5- Distance from the issues around which the dispute intensifies:
Based on - the recommendations of previous scientific studies and research by researchers and on the real problems that occur in scientific or sports institutions and others..
I believe in doing what really interest you. I agree with Hanan Abdulhameed that all topics may have gaps but you still want that element of innovation.
When choosing a PhD research topic, it is important to consider (a) your institution and your department’s requirements; (b) your areas of interest and knowledge; (c) the scientific, social, or practical relevance of the topic; (d) the availability of data and sources of information; and (e) the length and timeframe of the proposed thesis. A good research question is essential and must be (a) focused on a single problem or issue; (b) researchable using primary and/or secondary sources; (c) feasible (so it might be answered within the timeframe and practical constraints); (d) specific enough (so it might be answered thoroughly); (e) complex enough (so the answer might be developed over the space of the thesis); and (f) relevant to your field of study and to society more broadly.
you can join Elsevier research academy for project writing techniques as well as article writing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOa3w_I4a1c&t=426s
Dear Hanan Abdulhameed
Choose the topic that is comprehensive and flexible
I think, you should go with the topic which suites your skills perfectly. In other words, you can choose the topic which is feasible at your lab and matches your skill and understanding.
Thanks
It is a very interesting and thought-provoking question. In my opinion, every researcher should work on a topic that can be relevant in modern times. The results obtained from this topic should be both relevant and applicable.
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