Choosing a suitable topic for your research isn’t always a walk in the park. For some, starting the ideation process can be frustrating. Other times, your initial idea evolves as you do the research, taking a new path. Whether you have a list of literature review topics that you want to consider or don’t know where to start; this article is for you. Keep in mind that, your choice of subject will determine whether you stay motivated throughout the research process. Also, it affects the value that the paper will offer the reader. So, let’s dive into the process of finding a suitable literature review topic:
How to Choose a Successful Literature Review Topic
Table of Contents
1. Brainstorm Ideas
You have to start somewhere, don’t you? It will help you with the flow of ideas. Note down any topic for literature review that you are curious about. When making decisions on a topic, avoid overused ideas. It depends on your subject of interest. Only go for them if you have a unique approach that you would like to provide.
2. Pick a Topic That’s of Interest to You
Your enthusiasm on a particular issue can help you come up with apt review paper topics. Is it a subject matter that you feel strongly about? When the research question you settle for also piques your interest; it will make the process more rewarding and enjoyable. It will also keep you motivated to keep going, even when you may not feel like it. Identify two or three ideas that pique your interest.
3. Carry out a Preliminary Search
A good research topic needs to be interesting (precise & focused), and broad enough to allow you to get adequate information on it. A preliminary search on the issues will enable you to determine whether there’s enough information on the topic. There needs to be, adequate supporting materials related to your topic selection. Considering several topics allows you to have something to fall back on if your first choice doesn’t have much research materials on it.
4. Be Flexible
You don’t need to start the research with a fixed mindset. Ideas can evolve, and that’s okay. Modify the topic as you deem fit, as long as you stick to the given guidelines of the research paper. If the topic is too narrow, try to broaden it, and vice-versa. Keep in mind that, an idea is as suitable as the amount of research you can find about it.
Additional Help in Choosing a Literature Review Topic
1. Refine it
A narrow topic is more manageable than a broad one. The latter could cause you to lose direction during the research process. You can refine it by location, culture, discipline, time frame and more.
Use these question to narrow down your topic ideas; Who might benefit from the material, What will the reader gain from it?, When, Where and How? Also, if the topic is too narrow; you may not be able to find adequate research materials on it.
2. Identify Useful Keywords
Seeking background information on your topic of interest is vital. It gives you an overview of the subject at hand. Also, it enables you to identify words and phrases commonly used to describe the topic.
Use this information to find relevant publications on the topic. It is useful for your research efforts.
Final Step in the Selection process: Define your Literature Review Topic
Try to write down your literature review topic in statement form. Begin with a word, focus your interests, and formulate a focused research question. It is a clear statement of the purpose of your research.
