Writing Your Qualitative Research Title - And Subtitle with tips and examples

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive guide on how to create effective research titles and subtitles. It highlights the importance of a well-crafted title, which should be concise, clear, and engaging, reflecting the research problem and methodology. The video advises against using abbreviations, redundant phrases, and unnecessary capitalization. Additionally, it explains the role of subtitles, particularly in social science research, to add depth, specify geographic or temporal scope, and provide context. Practical examples and tips are shared to help viewers create titles that attract attention while maintaining academic integrity.

Takeaways

• 😀 The research title is the most important element of a paper, as it's the first part the reader encounters.
• 😀 A well-crafted title should accurately reflect the research problem, scope, and narrative tone of the study.
• 😀 Titles should not include redundant phrases like 'A study of' or 'An analysis of,' as the research itself is already implied.
• 😀 Research titles should be limited to 5-15 substantive words, focusing on key terms relevant to the study.
• 😀 Avoid using abbreviations or acronyms unless necessary, as they can create confusion for readers.
• 😀 The title should stimulate reader interest and reflect the aim of the research without using negative or disinterested language.
• 😀 Always follow correct grammar and capitalization rules in the research title, capitalizing the first word and important terms.
• 😀 Avoid using exclamation marks in the title; research titles are typically declarative or phrased as questions.
• 😀 When applicable, include the participants and the general setting of the research, but keep it broad.
• 😀 Subtitles help provide additional context or clarify the scope of the research, such as specifying geographic or temporal focus.
• 😀 Subtitles can enhance literary or provocative titles by adding substance and improving clarity.

Q & A

Why is the research title considered the most important element of a paper?

The research title is the most important element because it is usually the first part of the paper that readers see and it sets the tone for the entire study. It captures the essence of the research problem and attracts reader interest.

What should a research title accurately reflect?

A research title should accurately reflect the purpose, scope, and coverage of the study. It should clearly define the research problem and give the reader an idea of what the study is about.

What are some characteristics of effective research titles?

Effective research titles are clear, concise, and accurately reflect the research problem. They avoid redundancy, are limited to 5-15 substantive words, and follow proper grammar and capitalization rules.

Why is it important to avoid abbreviations and acronyms in a research title?

Abbreviations and acronyms can confuse readers, especially if they are not widely recognized in the academic community. It's recommended to avoid them unless they are universally understood.

How many words should a research title ideally contain?

A research title should be limited to 5-15 substantive words. These words should be meaningful and relevant to the study, avoiding redundant phrases.

What types of words should be capitalized in a research title?

In a research title, capitalize the first word, and all other important words such as nouns, pronouns, adjectives, verbs, and adverbs. Do not capitalize articles (e.g., 'the', 'a', 'an'), conjunctions (e.g., 'and', 'but'), or prepositions unless the preposition has four or more letters.

What is the difference between a research title and a subtitle?

A research title defines the core subject and problem of the study, while a subtitle provides additional context or clarification. Subtitles can specify the geographic, temporal, or contextual scope of the research.

How can a subtitle enhance a research title?

A subtitle enhances a research title by adding clarity and detail. It can explain the geographic or temporal scope, provide context, or elaborate on the specific focus of the study, making the title more informative.

What are some examples of how subtitles can qualify the research?

Subtitles can qualify a study in several ways, such as: 1. **Geographic scope**: 'A Study of High School Students in Los Angeles' 2. **Temporal scope**: 'The Survival of Chabacano from 2000-2023' 3. **Research focus**: 'The Impact of Political Commentary Vlogs on Voting Preferences'

Why is the capitalization rule in research titles important?

The capitalization rule ensures that the title maintains a formal academic tone and is easily readable. Proper capitalization helps to highlight the most important words in the title, making it clear and professional.