To develop a topic
To develop a research topic
Topic
A research topic is the broader scenario of what students would want to base their research studies on. The topic is a more general area of the subject matter in aspects of experience and knowledge, or events that can be studied for a deeper and better understanding on the given area. For example, the topic of study would be on Malaysian culture or AIDS or on acid rain. It shows a very general and broad area of study and research on the subject matter being learned.
Subtopic
The subtopic refers to the much more focused area that the student would want to base their study on which includes the idea of the research study. The subtopic of the research study is the area focused on the narrowed down questions of the research study topic.
For example:
| Topic | Subtopic |
| Malaysian culture | Types and practices of Malaysian culture among the locals in Kuala Lumpur |
| AIDS | AIDS infection among college campuses in the US |
| Acid rain | Effects of acid rain on human health |
To find some topic ideas
You can explore more topic ideas other than your hobbies and interests. There are library resources that can help you to find topic ideas.
The following database can help you:
Refining your topic: Too narrow vs too broad
After searching for the topic and subtopic of research with the relevant information taken from reliable sources, students would now need to refine the topic chosen. If the topic is too broad, students may find it difficult to obtain facts. On the other hand, if the topic is too narrow, students may find it difficult to find information about the topic. To ensure the topic is well written, students must ensure that the topic is not too broad or narrow.
How to narrow down your topic
You can narrow down the topic to a subtopic in many different aspects, such as:
| Time | 21 century, this year, in the future |
| Population | Children, women, consumers, immigrants, animal species, etc. |
| Place | Japan, developing countries, etc. |
| Different perspective | From the view point of politics, economics, ethics, legal, philosophic, scientific, etc. |