Before you begin taking action and exploring your topics of interest, there are a few guidelines you should keep in mind. First, depending on your area of research, you may want to consider the timeliness of your topic. For example, if selecting a research topic for a master's degree in history, the time frame of your topic may not matter. However, if selecting a topic for a project in computer science, you will want to ensure your topic is up to date with the current theory and technology. Second, select a topic where the balance of research is already conducted but still has new areas to explore. If you choose an area already saturated with research, you may find it hard to generate any questions not already answered. Select a topic interesting to you and one you can be passionate about.
An excellent way to learn about current topics in your field is to become an avid consumer of research. Using your library, find a list of academic journals in your field and make an effort to read articles you find interesting. You can also attend seminars or educational talks given by researchers in your field.
Your colleagues, advisers and peers can be another source of information and ideas. Find out what topics they are studying and see if any are of interest to you, or ask them if they have other ideas they are willing to share with you. Working on a research team can also be a way to generate research questions.
Once you have narrowed down your list of topics, you may wish to generate a few specific research questions to evaluate which topic you find most interesting. When generating questions, there are a few important things to consider. First, make sure your question is one that you can reasonably answer given your timeline, and that it does not cover too much information. Second, be sure your question is stated clearly and concisely. Finally, open-ended questions may allow you to expand your thinking and examine a broader range of ideas when exploring your topic.
Once you have gathered a list of topics, you may want to think about what type of research questions your topic will allow you to ask. Some questions may be generated simply by your own observations. Others may develop from a specific problem you have witnessed in the field. Research questions can also elaborate on what is already known to further specify our knowledge. Finally, research questions can also help build the basis of a theory gaining support in your field.