Selecting a research topic involves considering what topic to explore based on personal experiences, interests from initial readings and discussions, and determining why this topic should be explored for personal, academic, theoretical or professional significance. It also requires determining how to explore the topic through methodological considerations and feasibility of execution, and considering what the outcomes might be at a personal, academic or professional level at the end of the study.

1. Selecting a research
topic
What, Why, How, So what?
By
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan,
Department of Education,
Hazara University
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan, Hazara University Mansehra,
Email:drmuhammadilyaskhan7@gmail.com

2. What?/Why?
• What topic should I explore?
• Personal experiences/Interests
• Readings/Initial literature
review
• Discussions/Questioning
Why should I explore this topic?
• Personal/Practical
• Academic/Theoretical
• Professional significance
• Rationale/Justification
How?/So what?
• How am I going to explore the
topic?
• Methodological considerations
• Practicability of
execution/Feasibility
• So what am I going to get at
the end of the study?
• Possible outcomes
• Personal/Academic/Professiona
l
Dr. Muhammad Ilyas Khan, Hazara University Mansehra,
Email:drmuhammadilyaskhan7@gmail.com