Deciding on a topic of research

Choosing a topic requires that you clear your mind, channel your thoughts and think back to what made you curious as a child. If you retained the wonder all children carry about the natural world, then use this awe to find your way to a topic of interest. Follow these easy steps.

• Step 1: Visualizing
  • Do not begin by looking on the Internet for a topic to interest you.
  • Find a quiet place or listen to music. Clear your mind and let it drift.
  • Sit for 10 minutes, not thinking, but visualizing what you are curious about, what you found joy in as a child or what you love or find satisfaction within your life.
  • After 10 minutes, write down all of the thoughts that ran through your mind.
• Step 2: Firming Up
  • Go to any of the following websites to firm up your general idea:
    • Google Scholar http://scholar.google.com
    • Web Lens http://www.weblens.org/scholar.html  
    • Science Daily http://www.sciencedaily.com/
    • PubMed http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedand/or
    • WikiPedia (this is a valid source to get basic information and ideas for your topic)http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Pageand read a bit about any or all of the topics on your list.
    • Determine which topic really excites you.
    • Talk to your friends, parents, and refine this topic.  
    • Make a one to three choices and narrow the focus to a topic that can be completed within the given time.
    • Here is an example.
      • I am interested in gravity.
      • This topic is far too wide and I need to narrow my search. What can I experiment on? What has already been done? I will find those answers through some initial research.
      • Once I've read what's out there, I find that all objects fall at the same rate (discounting air resistance), I've also found that the velocity of gravity on Earth has already been established. Where can I go from here?
      • Could I look at the effect of gravity on inch worm movement, moth feeding behavior or chameleons ability to climb?
      • Notice how what you've read to prepare yourself for the topic prepares you to choose a direction.
• Step 3: The Question
  • Write your topic as a question. This is absolutely essential. This question must be "testable". Testable questions are questions that can be used to design experiments and collect data. A testable question meets these criteria; (1) The question centers on objects, organisms, and events in the natural world, (2) The question connects to scientific concepts rather than to opinions, feelings, or beliefs, (3) The question can be investigated through experiments or observations, (4) The question leads to gathering evidence and using data to explain how the natural world works. (Source:http://science.education.nih.gov/supplements/nih6/inquiry/guide/info_process-c.htm)
  • Below are some examples of questions that aretestable. Later you will find out how important these questions are in the development of your hypothesis.
    • Will different thicknesses of plasticine slow the speed of a projectile?
    • How much force is needed to keep water from expanding as it freezes?
    • Will the shape of H. pylori increase adhesion in stomach tissue?
    • How does robotic eye size affect human trust levels?
    • Does online gaming increase social interaction?
    • Will the wavelength of light change the rate of photosynthesis?

Need inspiration for an idea?  Try the links below:
Did you Know 2014
5 Ted Talks