Introduction
Research is problem-driven, not topic-driven. But what exactly is a research topic? Is there a difference between a research topic and a research title?
Understanding these concepts is an important first step when developing a research study. A topic gives you the broad area you are interested in studying, while a research problem helps you identify the specific issue that needs investigation. The research title then communicates what your study is about.
This article explains the difference between a research topic, research problem, and research title, and how they are connected.
What Is a Research Topic?
A research topic is the broad area you are interested in studying. It represents the general idea that a researcher would like to investigate, but it does not yet clearly explain what the study intends to do.
Examples of research topics include:
- Students’ academic outcomes
- Violent extremism among youths
- Sustainability of Non-governmental Organization projects
- Community participation in projects
- Adoption of Monitoring and Evaluation practices
These broad ideas help the researcher focus on an area of interest. From here, the researcher conducts a preliminary literature review to understand what has already been studied and identify areas that require further investigation.
The literature review helps the researcher narrow the topic, identify the research problem, determine the variables or key concepts, and establish an appropriate methodology.
For example, broad topics can be narrowed into more specific areas such as:
- Relationship between demographic characteristics and students’ academic outcomes
- Socio-economic factors as an enabler for violent extremism among the youths
- Factors that determine the sustainability of NGO projects
- Community participation and its influence on the adoption of M&E practices
The topic therefore provides the starting point, while the literature review helps the researcher move towards a clearly defined research problem.
What Is a Research Problem?
A research problem is a gap between what is already known and what the researcher intends to know.
In simple terms, it identifies an issue, gap, or unanswered question that requires further investigation.
The research problem connects the existing literature with what needs to be investigated. It is the “so what?” of the research study because it explains why the research needs to be conducted.
A research problem should emerge from an area of interest where the researcher has some basic knowledge. It should also be clearly defined and supported by existing literature.
The research problem ultimately provides the foundation for developing the research questions, objectives, and methodology.
Characteristics of a Research Problem
A good research problem should have the following characteristics:
1. It Must Be Researchable
The problem should be one where data can realistically be collected within the available resources, time, and skills of the researcher.
2. It Should Have Theoretical and Practical Significance
The study should contribute to knowledge or help address an existing practical issue in the area of study.
3. It Should Address an Existing Problem or Knowledge Gap
The research should investigate an issue that requires further understanding and may contribute to new knowledge, theories, principles or future research.
4. It Should Be Clearly Defined
The research problem should be specific enough to guide the researcher in determining what needs to be investigated.
5. It Should Be Relevant to the Researcher
The problem should come from an area that interests the researcher and, preferably, one in which the researcher has some experience or background knowledge.
Note: In many quantitative studies, a research problem examines relationships between variables. However, not every research problem has to involve two or more variables. Qualitative and exploratory studies may focus on experiences, perceptions, processes or other phenomena.
What Is a Research Title?
A research title tells the reader what the researcher intends to study. It gives the general purpose or focus of the study and should reflect the key variables or concepts where appropriate.
For example:
Topic: Students’ academic outcomes
Research focus: Relationship between demographic characteristics and students’ academic outcomes
Research title:
Relationship Between Demographic Characteristics and Students’ Academic Outcomes
The title is therefore more specific than the topic and should accurately represent what the study intends to investigate.
Characteristics of a Good Research Title
A good research title should:
- Be brief, specific, and to the point.
- Contain the key variables or concepts of the study, where applicable.
- Relate directly to the research topic and problem.
- Be clear and simple.
- Be informative and relevant to the reader.
- Use appropriate descriptive words.
- Avoid unnecessary abbreviations and jargon.
What Should a Good Research Title Show?
Where applicable, a good research title should communicate:
- Independent variable
- Dependent variable
- Target population
- Geographical location or scope of the study
For example:
Influence of Community Participation on the Adoption of Monitoring and Evaluation Practices Among NGO Projects in Kenya
The title gives the reader an idea of the variables or concepts being studied, the focus of the research, and its geographical scope.
However, the structure of a research title may vary depending on the type of research being conducted. Not every study will have independent and dependent variables.
APA 7th Edition and Research Titles
When writing a research paper or thesis, it is also important to follow the formatting requirements provided by your institution and the APA 7th Edition guidelines.
The title should be clear, concise, and descriptive. Avoid unnecessary words, abbreviations, and jargon.
The frequently cited 50-character limit relates to a shortened running head used in certain APA professional papers. It does not mean that every student research title must be 50 characters or fewer. Always check your institution’s specific requirements.
For more guidance on APA 7th Edition referencing and formatting, watch the following lessons:
- Lesson 74: APA 7th Edition
- Lesson 75: APA 7th Edition
- Lesson 76: APA 7th Edition
- Lesson 77: APA 7th Edition
- Lesson 78: APA 7th Edition
- Lesson 79: APA 7th Edition
Conclusion
A research topic, research problem, and research title are closely connected, but they are not the same.
The topic is the broad area of interest. The research problem identifies the specific gap, issue, or question that requires investigation. The research title then presents the focus of the study in a clear and concise way.
Remember:
Topic → Preliminary Literature Review → Research Problem → Research Title
Taking time to clearly define your research problem will help you develop a focused research study and an appropriate research title.
For more lessons on research methods, academic writing, research proposals, and APA referencing, explore the other resources available on this website.