Have you ever been challenged with writing a dissertation for your undergraduate or graduate studies? If so, you will be all too aware of how difficult it can be to choose a good dissertation topic. Many individuals, particularly students who are completing an undergraduate degree, find the prospect of choosing a proposal topic overwhelming; they often lack experience writing this type of academic document.
Another common issue is the fact that full-time students often have limited time to devote to writing their dissertation; they are often forced to juggle employment, study for their classes and prepare for their exams, all whilst writing their dissertation. Fortunately, there are several guidelines that will help you with choosing a suitable dissertation title, regardless of whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student.
Deciding on a suitable thesis title
Choose a relevant dissertation topic
Before you even begin to draft an outline or conduct research for your dissertation, you must choose a suitable proposal title. One of the most effective methods is to limit the subject area to one relevant to your particular degree. For example, if you are an MBA student, you will want to choose a thesis topic that relates to management and business practices. This will enable you to devise the most interesting and suitable thesis title.
Choose an interesting dissertation topic
A very common mistake students make when deciding on a dissertation title is to choose one that they don’t find interesting. This may appear to be a very obvious guideline, but you would be surprised at the number of students who choose a dissertation topic they feel would be interesting to their tutor, but not themselves. If you are not passionate about the subject matter, you will find it much more difficult to write your dissertation. Your disinterest will also quickly become apparent to the reader once they begin reading your academic paper. On the other hand, if you choose a thesis topic that truly interests you, you will find it much easier to remain motivated throughout the process of writing your dissertation.
Choose a manageable dissertation topic
Since you are the person who will have to conduct all the research for your paper, it is important that you choose a dissertation topic or title that makes you feel both comfortable and confident. Don’t make the common mistake of choosing a difficult thesis topic that you believe will earn you additional marks despite the fact that you have no interest in the topic. Your final grade will suffer if you do so. The main goal is to ensure that your thesis title reflects a level of difficulty that is appropriate to your experience and skill set.
Choose a familiar dissertation topic
You should also choose a proposal title with which you are already knowledgeable. It will become unnecessarily difficult to write a thesis about a completely foreign topic. One helpful tip is to conduct research on a dissertation topic that may prove helpful in your future career. This will ensure you remain interested in the topic, and it may also help you gain employment once you have completed your degree.
Choose a challenging dissertation topic
Another element of choosing a good dissertation topic is to choose a challenging subject that poses a complex question, which needs to be answered in a number of ways. Many students choose a thesis title that is merely descriptive. Unfortunately, this will not merit a passing grade, as you must be able to include both positive and negative arguments within your dissertation. You can choose to adopt one side of the argument within the conclusion of the document.
In addition, you must be able to answer the question. If there is insufficient data available or the question is too difficult, you will fail to accomplish this task. This is often the principal cause of failing a dissertation. Just be sure that sufficient resources exist for your particular thesis topic. There is no point choosing a dissertation title for which only out-of-print books or outdated information will become your available research material.
Choose a current dissertation topic
A good dissertation topic is also one that is current. The academic world is constantly presenting new research and information, so you should choose a dissertation title that reflects the world today. There is no point in choosing a dissertation title that is no longer relevant. You may also have trouble finding current resources for an outdated topic.
Choose an original dissertation topic
Many students believe they have to create a completely new dissertation topic, which is certainly not the case. You may be able to approach an existing topic with a new perspective. Originality can still be maintained if you choose to alter your angle of vision or switch the emphasis of a previous dissertation topic. If you are unsure of the originality of your proposed thesis title, discuss it with your tutor or supervisor.
Other ways to choose a dissertation title
There are many methods you can utilise to help you create a good dissertation topic. One option is to reflect on current issues discussed during your programme that you and the reader would find interesting to address. Reviewing previous dissertations can also prove very helpful; you may be able to identify any gaps in previous documents and expand on them when you choose your particular dissertation title.
In addition, you can create a list of all your favourite authors or books or review some of the academic papers you have written that earned you the highest grade. You may begin to notice an emerging trend that can help you formulate an appropriate dissertation topic. Industry journals and magazines are another effective resources that can help you create a current and relevant dissertation topic that is related to your field of study.
Narrow your subject area
Once you have narrowed down your subject area, you can decide whether you prefer to choose a specific or more general topic within that field. The next step involves further narrowing down the subject matter. It is often very helpful to take note of several questions that you will attempt to answer in your dissertation. As you begin to increase the number of questions, you will soon notice the main question continues to emerge. You should focus on this principal question as your dissertation title.
Simplify your subject
When you have decided on a good dissertation topic, you should simplify it. Many students choose an overly ambitious topic that becomes too difficult to answer. A more effective approach is to expand on a simple idea by reviewing both sides of a particular argument. However, you should be careful not to choose a dissertation topic that is too narrow, as it will make the research much more difficult, if not impossible, to complete.
Seek advice from your tutors
Another common mistake students make when choosing a dissertation topic is failing to choose a suitable tutor. The relationship between you and these individuals is very important so you should look for someone who is approachable, knowledgeable about your particular dissertation topic, and most importantly, available to meet with you. Your tutor should have a solid grasp of the subject material you are proposing and will be willing to assist you throughout the process of writing your dissertation. This is why it is imperative you choose your tutor carefully if you are given a choice.
Finding a suitable tutor
You can often find a suitable tutor who can help you choose a dissertation title by searching your university’s website or talking to professors who have conducted research in your particular area of interest. If you’re having trouble choosing a suitable topic, meet with your tutor to obtain helpful advice and guidance. You can discuss more than one thesis topic until you are able to find the most suitable choice. Be prepared to present valid arguments for your choices. You should also confirm whether the dissertation topic you have chosen is suitable if you wish to obtain a first-class distinction.
Changing your Dissertation Title
Throughout the process of writing your dissertation, you may end up changing or revising your dissertation title. This is perfectly acceptable, as you may encounter new challenges and information that warrants a change in your initial topic. Students often mistakenly believe they must continue with the original dissertation title they devised. Whilst this is not the case, it is important to stick with your original topic.
Determining your preferred research method
Once you have chosen a good dissertation topic, you must decide which research method you will utilise to present your arguments. The method will formulate the manner in which you approach your particular thesis topic. You have a choice of conducting primary or secondary research, the latter being a fast and inexpensive way of obtaining relevant data.
Primary and secondary research
Secondary research can also be more accurate than primary data, although primary data is more popular and is designed to help you solve the current problem addressed by your dissertation topic. Primary research is more time-consuming and requires more planning than secondary research, so you need to ensure you have sufficient time available to conduct the necessary tasks. Action research, focus groups, questionnaires, one-on-one interviews, project methods and protocol analysis are just some of the methods you can use for collecting primary data.
You can choose to adopt a case study method, especially if you feel uncomfortable with conducting a quantitative analysis or if there is insufficient data available. Talk to your tutor about your chosen method, as your university may favour a particular approach. One particular method may also simplify your task of conducting research and writing your dissertation. If you are unfamiliar or have little experience conducting quantitative research, you can utilise a statistical package. This program can help you interpret and perform statistical analysis.
Remember that choosing a good dissertation topic involves finding a current topic that you find interesting, and can be effectively argued. Be sure sufficient resources exist to help you conduct the appropriate research, and choose a simple topic upon which you can expand. Your goal is to choose a thesis title that is challenging, but not so difficult that you will have problems conducting the required research. You want to find a dissertation topic that is relevant to your field of studies, and with which you are confident and knowledgeable.
You should also carefully choose a tutor who is very familiar with your particular subject area, as it will make the process of choosing a suitable proposal topic much easier. If you feel comfortable and well informed about your chosen dissertation title, you will have a much better chance of obtaining a high final grade.
References
Books
BLOOMBERG, L and VOLPE, M (2008) Completing Your QualitativeDissertation: A Roadmap from Beginning to End, Sage Publications Ltd, London
BOLKER, J (1998) Writing Your Dissertation in Fifteen Minutes a Day:A Guide to Starting, Revising and Finishing Your Doctoral Thesis, Henry Holt and Company, LLC, New York
BRUBAKER, D and THOMAS, R (2008) Theses and Dissertations: A Guide to Planning, Research and Writing, Corwin Press, California
GLATTHORN, A (1998) Writing the Winning Dissertation: A Step-by-Step Guide, Corwin Press, California
GOOD, S and JENSEN, B (1995) The Student’s Only Survival Guide to Essay Writing, Orca Book Publishers, Victoria
MADSEN, D (1992) Successful Dissertations and Theses, Jossey-Bass Inc., Publishers, San Francisco
NEWTON, RAE R & RUDESTAM, K (2001) Surviving Your Dissertation:A Comprehensive Guide to Content and Process, Sage Publications, Inc, California
OGDEN, E ( 2007) Complete Your Dissertation or Thesis in TwoSemesters or Less, Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc., BlueRidge Summit
World Wide Web
CARTER, W and FinishLine 2005, 10 Tips to Selecting a Thesis Topic or Dissertation Topic, viewed November 12, 2008, http://thesisanddissertationhelp.com/blog/category/thesisdissertation-topic
Claremont Graduate University 2008, Choosing a Topic, viewed November 12, 2008, http://www.cgu.edu/PAGES/891.asp
Dissertation Creation 2008, Dissertation Help – Advice on Choosing a Dissertation Topic, viewed November 12, 2008, www.ukdissertations.com/dissertation_help/choosing-dissertation-topic.php
Dissertation Guru Blogspot 2008, Dissertation Writing Guru, viewed November 12, 2008, http://dissertationguru.blogspot.com/2008/11/how-to-choose-dissertation-topic.html
Korepetycje LLC and CustomPapers.com 2008, Advice on How to Choose a Dissertation Topic, viewed November 12, 2008, www.korepetycje.com/Essays_Articles/dissertation_topic.html
ROCKLER-GLADEN, N & Suite101.com 2007, Dissertation and ThesisTopics: How to Choose Successful Research for your PhD or Master’sDegree, viewed November 12, 2008, http://graduate-schools.suite101.com/article.cfm/dissertation_and_thesis_topics
SANDERS, N and IdeaMarketers, Choosing the Right Dissertation Topic, viewed November 12, 2008, http://www.ideamarketers.com/?Choosing_the_Right_Dissertation_Topic&articleid=428139