WRITING A RESEARCH TITLE || PRACTICAL RESEARC 2

Summary

This video lesson focuses on the process of writing a research title, emphasizing the importance of identifying a clear, specific, and practical topic for study. It offers strategies for narrowing down broad topics, such as reflecting on relevant literature, discussing ideas with knowledgeable individuals, and ensuring alignment between the research topic and questions. The video also outlines key characteristics of effective research titles, including accuracy, clarity, and conciseness. It concludes with advice on selecting research topics that are not only of personal interest but also free from biases, and suitable for available resources and timeframes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Identify a topic to study that is practical, useful, and researchable.
• 😀 Draft a working title for the study, which serves as a tangible idea to keep the research focused.
• 😀 Eliminate unnecessary words from the title (e.g., 'an approach to' or 'a study of').
• 😀 Consider a concise title of no more than 12 words that reflects the study's focus.
• 😀 Formulate a brief research question related to the topic (e.g., 'How does online learning affect academic performance?').
• 😀 A research topic should be narrow and specific, avoiding overly broad subjects.
• 😀 Ensure that the research topic and research questions match, with a clear and focused aim.
• 😀 Avoid using abbreviations in the title, and opt for positive and current terminology from the research field.
• 😀 The title should indicate the subject, scope, and relationship between variables in the study.
• 😀 Use proper grammar and capitalization in the title, capitalizing all significant words and the first and last words.
• 😀 Choose a topic that motivates you and aligns with available resources, time frame, and objectivity.

Q & A

What is the first step in identifying a research topic?

The first step in identifying a research topic is to reflect on whether the topic is practical and useful. After identifying a topic, it should be described in a few words to establish the central idea of the study.

What is the purpose of a working title in research?

A working title serves as a major road sign in research, guiding the researcher by keeping the central idea in focus and can change as the project progresses. It helps to convey the central notion of the study.

What is an effective way to write a working title?

To write an effective working title, start by completing the sentence 'My topic is about...', and ensure it is concise and focused on the research study. Avoid unnecessary words and ensure that the title includes the core focus of the study.

What are some characteristics of effective research titles?

Effective research titles should: accurately indicate the subject and scope of the study, avoid abbreviations, use current nomenclature, identify key variables (independent and dependent), and reflect the intended outcome of the research.

What should you avoid when writing a research title?

You should avoid unnecessary words like 'an approach to' or 'a study of.' The title should not be too long (ideally no longer than 12 words) and should avoid including prepositions and articles.

What is the importance of narrowing down a broad research topic?

Narrowing down a broad research topic is essential because broad topics can lead to vague and unmanageable studies. Narrowing the topic helps to make the research specific and focused, ensuring it can be thoroughly explored.

How can literature be used to narrow down a research topic?

Literature can be used to narrow down a research topic by examining published articles, which often suggest research questions. Researchers can replicate studies, explore unexpected findings, or extend existing theories to new contexts.

Why should researchers avoid personal biases in choosing a research topic?

Researchers should avoid personal biases because research must be as objective as possible. Personal opinions, prejudices, and judgments about certain behaviors should not influence the research process to maintain credibility.

How can discussing with others help in narrowing down a research topic?

Discussing with others, particularly those who are knowledgeable or have differing opinions, can help in generating and refining research questions. They can offer insights that the researcher may not have considered.

What are some key considerations when selecting a research topic?

When selecting a research topic, consider its relevance, the available resources, and the time frame. The topic should also align with the researcher's interests and be focused and well-defined to ensure a successful study.