Easy answers don’t always lie on the surface. Let’s say more: an easy answer on the exact topics is not for you. Why? Mainly because there’s a chance that someone has already taken all the subjects named in Google. But also, they do not reflect your true interest in your major. They are rather a compromise when all options have been exhausted. And they will force you to adapt to them.
Do you have energy for this? This article offers you at least six methods of finding your unique ideas. Below, you will find all of them: methods for analytical minds who use the brain’s left hemisphere more, a creative way of choosing your topic, and one for those who use both the left and right hemispheres of the brain. And at least two ways to take the low-hanging fruit. Keep reading!
Table of Contents
Finding Nemo: Hard-Sciences Ways of Extracting Topics
The word “extract” appears in the heading, but not by chance. It more accurately reflects the essence of the first two topic-choice methods.
Method #1: Analytical Approach
This method uses an analytical approach to extract topics from the existing papers in relevant libraries. With this method, you conduct an analytical review of existing papers, assess their relevance, and identify gaps. Simply put, you choose a topic already written about but take it to the next level.
Method #2: Statistical Approach
A statistical method involves collecting statistical data on a topic’s relevance. You can use Google Tools (Search, Trends, Scholar), Scopus, Web of Science, and other specialized and professional tools. The method is not the only criterion for choosing a topic, but it significantly increases your chances of choosing one that is both interesting and relevant.
In conclusion of this part, analytical and statistical approaches work best in combination. By the way, professionals such as a capstone project writing service or others who employ people with scientific degrees often use this mix.
Creativity is Another Possibility
This is a method for creative people who can fully trust their intuition. Although this idea is not taken from, but rather inspired by, Eleanor Duckworth’s article “Helping Students Get to Where Ideas Can Find Them,” it might work for you.
Method #3: Let the Idea Find You
The essence of this method is that the idea is already in your head. Your task is to upload knowledge and necessary materials into the most universal computer – your brain. It will only have to gently nudge you towards the right thought. This usually happens on its own when the “inner critic and eternal doubter” is tired and wants to sleep – in other words, before going to bed. The thought you catch in your mind before going to bed is what you should write down and think about tomorrow.
Systematics Plus Creativity Equals
Here’s another practical way to choose a topic for your academic work. This method is unique in the combination of creativity and a systematic approach.
Method #4: Concept Mapping
Concept mapping, or CM, is a method of knowledge visualization that allows you to present complex ideas and concepts as interconnected nodes and connections. As you add ideas to the map, you will begin to see which ideas are related. This can help you determine which topics are relevant and promising for your study.
Lazy Daisy or Let’s Not Deny Obvious
Finally, two methods remain related to the path of least resistance. You can always resort to them when there is no opportunity to use the first four or when the resource is exhausted and the idea has yet to be found.
Method #5: Ask Your Professor
That’s obvious: they will find you the greatest subject. It will be a challenging task! Yet if you recognize your teacher’s idea beyond the subject, your reward will be an A on your paper and your professor’s increased respect.
Method #6: Pay Someone
This is a simple and elegant solution if we’re talking about legitimate services. They might help you choose a topic, come up with a plan, or even write the whole paper. It’s totally up to you to decide on the pros and cons.
The end justifies the means, especially when getting your diploma. The advantage is that in this list of 6 methods, everyone can find a convenient, practical approach to choosing a topic. And you might even come up with your own unique and new method!
