HOW TO DEVELOP UNIQUE RESEARCH TOPICS

In every field of endeavour, what makes you stand out from others is the ability to do something differently and uniquely in such a way that posterity will always remember the prints you left on the sands of time. In the academic sector, uniqueness of ideas and thoughts is of paramount importance especially when it comes to writing a research topic. Consequently, we shall be examining how to choose a unique research topic. To begin with, we shall look at the importance of having a unique topic
IMPORTANCE OF A UNIQUE TOPIC
•        The topic dictates the tune and tone of the entire research. If the topic it shows to a large extent that the student will carry out a good research.
•        The topic creates in the mind of anyone who reads it, a first impression. Such an impression may influence the overall and final judgement of the work.
•        A unique topic is a source of motivation for the researcher to carry on and complete the study. Just as a dull topic will be a source of discouragement.
•        A unique and good topic will be a source of joy to the researcher for many future years such that you can always boast of it at all times and places without fear or intimidation.
SOURCES OF A UNIQUE RESEARCH TOPIC
•        Personal experience and observation of the researcher: The student’s personal observation, knowledge or experience of some problems that deserve a research attention could lead such a student to derive a topic from such experience
•        Relevant existing literature: knowledge about some existing theories and research findings in a particular area may reveal a lacuna in knowledge that needs to be filled. This is also where a researcher can key into and bring out a unique topic.
•        Interactions with lecturers/colleagues: a research topic can also be borne out via discussions with a potential supervisor, a lecturer or even among classmates and colleagues on researchable areas.
RELEVANT QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF BEFORE CHOOSING A TOPIC
•        Is the proposed topic one that really be narrowed down in scope to produce the manageable research project? If the answer is No, then do not proceed further
•        Will the proposed topic make an important contribution to knowledge? If yes, then proceed. If no, then discontinue.
•        Has the topic received any minimal coverage in the journals and other related academic publications? If yes, then go ahead with the study
•        Do I have sufficient interest in the research topic now and can such interest be sustained throughout the study? If the answer to this is No, then discontinue the topic, but if yes, then go ahead.
•        Can I gather sufficient data to carry out this research? If yes, continue, but if no, discontinue.
•        Can I concisely and precisely state the objectives, aims, scope, justification and limitations of the study? If yes, continue, but if no, discontinue
STEPS TO CHOOSE A UNIQUE TOPIC
•        Brainstorming: When you brainstorm, you are looking for ideas about the particular topic. In brainstorming, you ask yourself some salient questions: do I have interest in that particular area? Is there a particular knowledge I want to input?
•        Read wide: it is essential that you read a lot of related literature from either the library or the internet about the topic you want to write about so that you will have a strong footing to weather the storms of the entire research.
•        The title of your research should be concise and precise as possible
•        Look for keywords that you can help you to formulate a good and captivating title. Conclusively, with all these information put in right perspective, you will come up with a good research topic that will leave an indelible mark for generations to come.