A research title captures the research problem concisely. It should clearly reflect the topic being investigated and be original, clear, and concise. Broad topics can be narrowed into specific research questions by examining literature in the area, discussing ideas with others, applying the topic to a specific context, and defining the aim of the study. When choosing a research topic, it is important to select something that interests and motivates the researcher, is doable given available resources and time, and is focused and well-defined.

1. WRITING A RESEARCH
TITLE
LESSON 5

2. What is a RESEARCH TITLE?
A research title is a product of real world observations,
dilemmas, wide reading, selective viewing, films
documentaries and deep reflection.
The title of the research is the research problem in capsule
form. It must clearly reflect the topic of investigation and it
must be original, clear, concise or specific.

3. Example of Broad Topics
Blended Learning in English Class
Presidential Election Results
Agri-business
Social networking
Vegetarianism

4. Example of Specific Topics
A correlation study in the use of blended learning in
Freshman English Classes and student achievement.

5. Techniques in Narrowing Down a Topic
into a Research Question
1. Examine the literature.
◦ Published articles are an excellent source of ideas for research
questions. They are usually at an appropriate level of specificity
and suggest research questions that focus on the following:
◦ A. Replicate a previous study project exactly or with slight
variations.
◦ B. Explore unexpected findings discovered in previous research.
◦ C. Follow suggestions an author gives for future research at the
end of an article.

6. Techniques in Narrowing Down a Topic
into a Research Question
1. Examine the literature.
◦D. Extend an existing explanation or theory to a new topic or
setting.
◦E. Challenge findings or attempt to refute a relationship.
◦F. Specify the intervening process and consider linking
relations.

7. Techniques in Narrowing Down a Topic
into a Research Question
2. Talk over ideas with others.
A. Ask people who are knowledgeable about the topic for
questions about it that they have thought of.
B. Seek out those who hold opinions that differ from yours
on the topic and discuss possible research questions with
them.

8. Techniques in Narrowing Down a Topic
into a Research Question
3. Apply to a specific context.
A. Focus the topic on a specific historical period or time
period.
B. Narrow the topic to a specific society or geographic unit.
C. Consider which subgroups or categories of people/units
are involved and whether there are differences among
them.

9. Techniques in Narrowing Down a Topic
into a Research Question
4. Define the aim or desired outcome of the study.
A. Will the research question be for an exploratory,
explanatory or descriptive study?
B. Will the study involve applied or basic research?

10. Choosing a Topic for a Research Study
In choosing a research topic, it is important to select a topic
that interest and motivates you.
It should be “doable” with the resources at your disposal
and within the required time frame.
The research topic should be focused and well-defined.