If you have a specific idea about what is to be researched, what should you do?
To begin, suggest conducting a review of the scholarly literature regarding your idea. Focus on a specific aspect, problem, or question regarding your topic idea. You will likely identify one, or more, studies that reasonate with your idea and from which you can begin to narrow to a specific research topic.
Narrowing from an idea to a research topic may include:
The phenomenon studied (e.g., business, IT, education, psych, etc.)
The method (qualitative or quantitative – avoid mixed!)
The population
The geography
…and more!
Once narrowed, ensure that the topic is researchable, including:
Too narrow of a topic, population, or geography – resulting in too few participants to satisfy the criteria for sampling
Too sensitive of a topic – restricting participate participation and/or responses. An example is unethical business practices – who wants to admit to being unethical? Another example is a protected population, such as minors, pregnant women, and prisoners.
Potential human harm – resulting in IRB delays or non-approval
Highly expensive data collection – count the cost!
Once the topic is deemed researchable and viable, topic development may begin for your dissertation or thesis.
Interested in hiring a dissertation coach or editor? Contact Dr. Lonny today at help@mydissertation.coach, along with a copy of your current dissertation (if applicable) for an initial assessment and quote.
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Dr. Lonny is a senior dissertation coach and chair with many years of experience at multiple online universities, as well as through personal consulting engagements, with over 80 graduated doctoral mentees. Dr. Lonny is qualified to walk you through your doctoral journey once you’ve decided to take the plunge! If interested, please complete the inquiry and/or contact form to let Dr. Lonny know that you would like to speak further about your desire to partner with a professional coach towards doctoral degree completion – or any phase/aspect of the process thereof. Dr. Lonny can be reached directly via email at drness@dissertation101.com or help@mydissertation.coach.
