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Not sure how to approach your thesis and how to arrive at a research topic that’s right for you?
In this interactive mini-course we will guide you through the most important tips and questions to help you get to a satisfying research question for your thesis or dissertation (or seminar paper). You can participate directly and actively-at the end we’ll be happy to send you input so you don’t forget anything. So be fully focused, no note-taking is required!
OVerview of the mini-course
In the mini-course below, we will discuss various themes around finding your research topic. Specifically, we elaborate on the importance of having a good topic. We then give you some tools to help your thinking about a research topic and also develop criteria to evaluate whether the topic you have found is actually useful. There will be some questions for self-reflection on the way to ensure that the outcome is really individualized to your specific context.
The importance of a good resarch topic
Choosing a research topic is one of the most important decisions you will make as an academic researcher. The topic you choose can determine the success or failure of your project, and it can also have a significant impact on your career. In this mini-course we will guide you through some steps to find an appropriate research topic.
Tools for thinking about your research topic
In order to be a successful academic, it is essential to be able to think critically. One of the best ways to improve your thinking skills is by using tools. This mini-course offers different tools that can help you think more productively about your topic.
Criteria for a good research topic
There are a few things you should consider when choosing a research topic for your next paper. First and foremost, you will need to think about what you are interested in. What are the concepts or issues that intrigue you? Once you have a good idea of what is motivating your interest, it is time to look for topics that might fit that interest.
Once you have found a potential research topic, there are several important criteria to keep in mind. First and foremost, make sure the topic is relevant to your own interests and academic goals. Secondly, make sure the topic is feasible to pursue and has enough potential research avenues open up for exploration. Thirdly, be sure the topic is well-researched and has sufficient literature available upon which to build an argument or thesis. Put differently: Is this actually a field of research?
Your mini-course
Good luck with finalizing your topic and getting started with your research!