6.1 Selecting a research topic

• What is the first step in selecting a research topic for your Independent Research Project?

  Identify your interests
• Steps to refine your research topic

  1️⃣ Browse available resources

  2️⃣ Identify gaps in knowledge

  3️⃣ Narrow the scope

  4️⃣ Develop research questions
• Match the interest with a potential research area:

  Language and culture ↔️ German literature

  Current events ↔️ Recent developments in Germany

  Personal experiences ↔️ Hobbies related to German-speaking countries
• Match the resource with its description:

  Scholarly Journals ↔️ Publish peer-reviewed research

  Books ↔️ Provide in-depth analysis

  Dissertations ↔️ Showcase original research

  Reputable Online Databases ↔️ Index a wide range of sources
• Considering the scope and feasibility ensures the project is manageable
• Browsing literature reviews helps identify gaps in knowledge
• Reputable online databases index a wide range of sources and articles
• What is an example of a research topic that is too broad in scope?

  Studying German literature
• Steps to refine a research topic based on available data and resources

  1️⃣ Review existing literature

  2️⃣ Identify gaps

  3️⃣ Narrow the scope

  4️⃣ Develop research questions
• To develop a clear research question, start with a broad topic
• Validating the chosen topic with your supervisor ensures it meets the project's requirements
• Considering the project's scope and feasibility ensures the research is manageable.


  True
• Validating your research topic with your supervisor is essential.


  True
• Reputable online databases index a wide range of sources and articles
• What is an example of a research topic that is too broad in scope?

  German literature
• Aligning your interests with potential research areas ensures motivation.

  True
• Browsing available resources and literature reviews is essential for refining your research topic
• Dissertations showcase original research and perspectives from other students.

  True
• Feasibility refers to the practicality of completing the research within given constraints
• Considering the scope and feasibility of a research topic ensures the project is manageable and successful.


  True
• Limited data availability can hinder the refinement of a research topic.


  True
• What is an example of a focused research question in German literature?

  How does Thomas Mann's "Der Zauberberg" reflect the social tensions of early 20th-century Germany?
• Browsing available resources and literature reviews helps identify gaps in knowledge
• What should you develop after refining your research topic?

  Research questions
• What are key sources for browsing literature reviews?

  Scholarly journals
• Steps to refine your research topic based on available data

  1️⃣ Review existing literature

  2️⃣ Identify gaps

  3️⃣ Narrow the scope

  4️⃣ Develop research questions
• What is the final step in selecting a focused and feasible research topic?

  Reviewing available literature
• What do scholarly journals publish?

  Peer-reviewed research
• Why is reviewing diverse sources crucial for research projects?

  Uncovers opportunities for new insights
• A broad research topic should be narrowed in scope
• Steps to develop a clear research question

  1️⃣ Start with a broad topic

  2️⃣ Identify key concepts

  3️⃣ Narrow your scope

  4️⃣ Formulate questions

  5️⃣ Refine based on resources
• Seeking feedback from your supervisor is crucial for refining your research topic and gaining valuable insights.


  True