Summary of "Session 2: Choosing a Research Topic" (PPT)
Learning Objective
• Guide researchers in selecting a relevant research topic based on context and
need.
Success Criteria
• Arriving at a well-informed research topic.
• Contributing to professional literature.
Key Aspects of Choosing a Research Topic
• Who? Identify key stakeholders, authors, and organizations related to the topic.
• What? Determine major questions, debates, and different perspectives.
• Where? Assess whether the topic is relevant at local, national, or global levels.
• When? Understand if the topic is contemporary or historical and whether
comparisons over time are needed.
• Why? Define personal interest and relevance of the topic.
Narrowing the Scope of a Topic
If a topic is too broad, refine it by:
1. Theoretical Approach – Focus on a specific perspective or framework.
2. Aspect or Sub-area – Study one key component rather than the entire topic.
3. Time Period – Compare different timeframes.
4. Population Group – Limit by age, gender, occupation, etc.
5. Geographical Location – Compare regional differences.
Broadening the Scope of a Topic
If there's not enough information available, consider:
• Generalizing the subject.
• Avoiding extremely recent topics with limited research.
• Using multiple databases and broader search terms.
Class Activity: Evaluating Topic Scope
• Example topics:
o "Factors of student disengagement in class" → Too broad.
o "Effect of lack of interest in the subject on academic achievement of
Chemical Engineering students in an urban Engineering College in India"
→ Appropriate.
o "Impact of Subject Disinterest on Academic Performance of Urban
Chemical Engineering Students" → Better.
Developing an Original Research Topic
• Read widely to explore interests.
• Narrow down to a specific research question.
• Stay updated with recent literature.
• Be flexible—adjust the topic as needed.
• Choose a topic that is manageable and engaging.
Criteria for a Good Research Topic
1. Interest – Ensure it aligns with your curiosity.
2. Expertise – Relate it to your field of knowledge.
3. Data Availability – Ensure sufficient research material is accessible.
4. Relevance – Address current and meaningful issues.
5. Ethics – Avoid controversial or unethical studies.
Drafting a Research Title
• Example refinements:
o Understanding BIM Adoption in Construction Projects using Bloom’s
Taxonomy → BIM Adoption in Construction Projects: A Comprehensive
Analysis through Bloom’s Taxonomy
o Asset Management of Infrastructure Projects → Enhancing Infrastructure
Project Performance through Effective Asset Management
o Effects of Quality Management Practices on Sustainability in Construction
Projects → Driving Sustainability in Construction Projects: The Impact
of Quality Management Practices
Takeaways
• Research topics should be current, debatable, researchable, and
manageable.
• Use ChatGPT to refine research topics (between 8-13 words).
• A well-defined research title is crucial for a strong foundation.
Session 3: Conducting a Literature Review
• Objective: Guides on how to systematically conduct a literature review.
• Key Topics:
o Definition of a Literature Review:
▪ It synthesizes existing research to identify trends, themes, and
gaps.
▪ Not just a summary but a critical analysis of existing knowledge.
o Steps to Conduct a Literature Review:
1. Gather relevant studies, articles, and resources.
2. Analyze similarities, differences, and gaps.
3. Organize findings into a structured review.
o Literature Grids:
▪ A tool to structure and analyze research findings.
▪ Helps in identifying key findings, methodologies, strengths, and
weaknesses of studies.
o LATCH Method (Richard Wurman’s Framework):
▪ Organizing information by Location, Alphabet, Time, Category,
Hierarchy.
▪ The study originated, or researcher is based
▪ It fits at a macro or micro level (e.g. cell or body).
▪ Further, studies may be located on different sides of a debate.
▪ Organise your information alphabetically to make it easier to find
known items.
▪ Arrange alphabetically by:
▪ Author
▪ Title
▪ Journal name
▪ Time-Organise your information chronologically to highlight and
understand the changes to a research field over time
▪ Organise your information by grouping into categories based on
your research question and objectives:
▪ Organise your information by assigning a value, or rank-overall
usefulness or relevance to your research.
o Concept Maps:
▪ Developed by Joseph D. Novak, used to visualize research
relationships.
▪ Helps structure literature reviews and identify gaps.
o Issue Maps:
▪ A technique to categorize research issues and their relationships.
