Choosing Strong Dissertation Topics: 10 Winning Ideas
A dissertation is an important part of many graduate programs. If you don’t know what topic to choose, you should keep in mind that you need both the right attitude and patience. Make sure that you have plenty of time to brainstorm winning ideas, narrow them down, and get one of them approved by your instructor. The following ten great suggestions are designed to help you select the best dissertation topic for you:
- Find good examples of dissertations on related subjects, so you’ll get familiar with ideas that other students considered worth studying. Besides, you’ll learn what research styles can be used.
- Consider something that you care about. Although you should follow your instructor’s advice, you’re responsible for your own choices. A dissertation topic should be interesting for you or else you won’t be able to compose a strong paper.
- Look through your old papers. It makes sense to check your old resources and class notes, as they might help you get inspired.
- Stay open to different ideas. You shouldn’t waste your time and effort trying to come up with a perfect idea. It makes sense to consider several topics in the initial stages.
- Brainstorm with your classmates and friends. Some students simply can’t develop winning ideas on their own, so they ask peers to help them. However, make sure to explain them the requirements provided by your supervisor first.
- Bear in mind that what seems like a good theme often isn’t the right one. For example, you might find out that someone else has recently completed a similar dissertation or you don’t have enough resources to complete your research.
- Avoid over-ambitious projects. Many graduate students start working on ambitious projects. However, they often fail to complete them successfully, so you should choose a topic that you can develop effectively.
- Test a potential topic. A strong one requires lots of research, so you should check whether you’re somehow familiar with methods and techniques that will help you answer your study question.
- Keep calm and focused. Although choosing a proper topic might be challenging, you should focus and keep working. Feeling that your ideas are wrong is a part of a process, so don’t worry.
- Consult your instructor. No matter how you like a chosen theme, you should visit your instructor and get your idea approved. Remember that constant contact with your supervisor is valuable to your success.