cateria for selecting a reseach topic

INTRODUCTION
Choosing a research topic can be a challenging experience; if you do not choose a good topic, it can make the entire research process frustrating. On the other hand, if you choose your topic wisely, the entire research process will be made easier. With that in mind, here are some general tips to keep in mind when choosing your topic. Start thinking about possible topics early
Throughout the quarter, make a note of topics or readings that are particularly interesting. Do not leave it until the last minute, when it may be more difficult to remember class discussions that piqued your interest. The longer you have to consider possible topics, the longer you have to come up with something brilliant. This paper seeks to explain the criteria for choosing a research topic.

CLARIFICATION OF TERMS
Research: Research is a scientific inquiry aimed at learning new facts, testing ideas, etc.
It is the systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data to generate new knowledge and answer a certain question or solve a problem.
Research Diligent and systematic inquiry or investigation into a subject in order to discover facts or principles. A studious inquiry or examination, especially a critical investigation . .. having as its aim the discovery of new facts and their correct interpretation, the revision of accepted conclusions, theories, or laws in the light of new discovered facts, or the practical application of such conclusions, theories or laws. The chief responsibility of a university is to produce and disseminate new knowledge. New knowledge is created through research. Research is based on primary and secondary sources, often together with original data collected via research "instruments" (surveys, interviews, questionnaires, "focus groups," etc.) to produce new knowledge on a particular topic. Criteria is a standard, rule, or test on which a judgment or decision can be based.





Characteristics of research
It demands a clear statement of the problem
It requires a plan (it is not aimlessly “looking” for something in the hope that
You will come across a solution)
It builds on existing data, using both positive and negative findings
New data should be collected as required and be organized in such a way that they answer the research question
CRITERIA FOR CHOOSING A RESEARCH TOPIC
Be aware, selecting a good topic is not easy. It must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information for your research. There are no standard rules for the selection of a research topic but the under listed will serve as a guide for researchers.

Problem identification: If the answer to the research question is obvious, we are dealing with a management problem that may be solved without further research. A number of research questions could be presented that may be posed at the various levels of the health system.
Whether a problem requires research depends on three conditions:
There should be a perceived difference or discrepancy between what it is and what it should be;
The reason(s) for this difference should be unclear (so that it makes sense to develop a research question); and
There should be more than one possible and plausible answer to the question (or solution to the problem).
There must be a dependent and independent variables. For example the impact of multinational corporation on Nigeria economy. Multinational is the dependent why Nigeria is the independent. It may also have time limit and location in other to be limited.

The topic must be educational in nature. The educational nature of a topic implies that the topic must be such that is geared towards providing a solution to an educational problem. It must also satisfy one of the major objectives of educational research - extension of knowledge and making a meaningful contribution in the teaching - learning process. The research topic should be one that is academically and creatively challenging to the student. The topic requires an academic and creative stretch for the student. Be careful not to choose a topic that is limited to simple ideas or has little application or extension possibilities. Such a choice would make the paper, Product, and presentation uninteresting for the student and evaluators alike.

The topic to be selected must be of interest to the researcher. A person's interest in a topic provides the motivation that will enable the researcher complete the investigation. Interest also makes for dedication and commitment in the course of the study. This is one of the reasons; the supervisor should not select a topic for students. One cannot be committed to a study that has no personal meaning to him. The research topic should be one in which the student is interested, but not one about which the student is already an expert. For example, if a student has been a martial arts student for ten years, has competed regionally or nationally, and teaches classes in the field, he or she probably knows a great deal about martial arts. Unless the student pursues a new angle to martial arts, the topic will not yield much new learning and, therefore, would not be appropriate.

Topic must be original: the originality of a topic first and foremost eliminates duplication. A duplicated research study amounts to waste of energy, time, material and financial resources, because solution to that problem has already been provided. An original topic adds new knowledge which contributes to educational advancement.

Topic must be researchable: a topic is said to be researchable if it lends itself to investigation through the collection and analysis of objective and relevant data. It employs a systematic data gathering procedure for testing its theory and arriving at the solution to the problems. Example - does God answer prayers? God cures diseases.

Availability of time and financial resources: the topic must be such that can be completed within the time and money available to the researchers. Excuses relating to time and financial handicaps are not tolerated in research. Many research studies are abandoned due to lack of time and financial resources.

Availability of data: the topic must be one in which the researcher can easily identify his subjects and means of collecting data from the subjects. Subjects in research may be human being, objects, events and structures such as buildings. Students are to avoid choosing topics that might endanger themselves or others. For example, sky diving, use of explosives (in an experiment), or handling dangerous animals are not appropriate.

Facilities for data collecting must be available; such facilities like the libraries, computer and information centres. This is important for review of literature and analysis of data.

Topic must be significant: it must be capable of adding to new knowledge thereby providing solution to some knotty educational and social problems. Its findings must benefit some individuals.

Some preliminary research may be helpful to the student. By reading about a certain topic, the student may expand his/her areas of interest, and possibilities for new areas of exploration may surface.

Students should use good judgment to be certain that the topics they choose are appropriate for presentation to a review panel and the general public. Remember, each will be required to have his or her project proposal approved prior to beginning the project.
Avoidance of duplication: Investigate whether the topic has been researched. If the topic has been researched, the results should be reviewed to explore whether major questions that deserve further investigation remain unanswered. If not, another topic should be chosen.

Political acceptability: It is advisable to research a topic that has the interest and support of the authorities. This will facilitate the smooth conduct of the research and increases the chance that the results of the study will be implemented.

Ethical acceptability: We should always consider the possibility that we may inflict harm on others while carrying out research. Therefore, it will be useful to review the proposed study. .

Finally, you need to select a topic that has the potential to make an original contribution to the field and allow you to demonstrate your independent mastery of subject and method. In other words, the topic must be worth pursuing. At the very least, the study must generate or help validate theoretical understanding in an area or, in those fields where applied dissertations are permissible, contribute to the development of professional practice. Some students are put off when they discover that a literature review contains contradictory or puzzling results or explanations for a phenomenon. Such contradictions should be taken not as setbacks and reasons to steer away from a topic but as opportunities to resolve a mystery.
A critical consideration of most of the above principles will make topic selection as easy task for researchers.

CONCLUSION
Be aware, selecting a good topic is not easy. It must be narrow and focused enough to be interesting, yet broad enough to find adequate information for your research. Before you select your topic, make sure you know what your final research project should look like. Each instructor, or class, will have somewhat different requirements and purposes for research.
The ability to develop a good research topic is an important skill. Sometimes instructors will assign a specific topic; usually they will ask you to select a topic that interests you. When you choose your own topic, you will need to: brainstorm for ideas, read general background information, focus in on a manageable topic, make a list of useful keywords, be flexible, define your topic as a focused research question, research and read more about your topic, formulate a thesis statement.




REFERENCES


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Abramson JH. Survey methods in community medicine. 2nd ed.Eidenburgh: Churchill Livingstone, 1979.

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 Mathers, Nigel; Howe, Amanda; and Hunn Amanda. Trent focus for research anddevelopment in primary health care. Ethical considerations in research. Trent focus, 1998

















DISCUSS THE CRITERIA FOR SELECTING RESEARCH PROBLEM OR TOPIC

AN ASSIGNMENT ON RESEARCH METHOD IN POLITICAL SCIENCE (PSD3191)

PRESENTED TO
MR GABRIEL AKWEN (LECTURER)

DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE AND DIPLOMACY
VERITAS UNIVERSITY ABUJA, (OBEHIE CAMPUS), ABIA STATE

BY
CHRIS-WORLU IGWUGWUM
VUG/POL/11/323


DECEMBER 2013.