Beginner's Guide to Selecting the Perfect PhD Topic

In this video, I discuss how to choose a PhD topic that aligns with your interests and the broader academic field. The process of selecting a research topic can be challenging, but it's essential to ensure that your PhD thesis is both relevant and feasible.

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First, I emphasize the importance of not letting your PhD supervisor dictate your entire project or thesis topic. Often, supervisors choose topics that interest them or align with their ongoing research. This can result in a project that is either too narrow or too broad. Instead, you should collaborate with your supervisor to choose a research topic that interests you and contributes something new to the field.

Novelty is a crucial aspect of selecting a research topic. This means finding something that hasn't been done before, even if it doesn't have to change the world. To identify novel ideas, I recommend using tools like illicit.com and consensus, which help you explore whether your question has already been answered. It's about reading the current literature, asking questions, and refining your ideas.

Another important consideration is the relevance of your research topic. Ask yourself who benefits from answering your research question. To gauge the current interest in your topic, I suggest looking at popular science news sources like Psy News or Science Alert. These sources can provide insight into what topics are currently interesting to the general population and, by extension, may attract funding and academic interest.

Feasibility is another critical factor. You need to choose a project that can be completed within the typical timeframe of a PhD program, usually about two to three years. This involves considering the availability of data, access to necessary equipment, and the potential for obtaining ethics approval. It's important to find a balance in your research scope—neither too narrow nor too broad.

Finally, I stress the importance of not developing your research project in isolation. Discuss your ideas with your supervisor, other researchers, and fellow PhD students to get feedback and refine your project. Pressure testing your ideas with others will help you build a strong foundation for your research.

Choosing a PhD topic involves considering novelty, relevance, and feasibility. By following these guidelines, you can select a research topic that is both interesting and achievable.

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▼ ▽ TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Don't let your supervisor choose
00:34 Novelty
02:57 Relevance
05:11 Feasibility
06:40 Time Needed
07:38 Don't do it alone
08:20 Outro

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