2. Importance
Choosing a topic is the first, most difficult and most
important step in the research process.
Researchers will be spending a
great deal of time and effort on their
research, they should give the
choice of topic careful thought.

3. 1. Choose a topic that is close to your interest and
experiences.
Some Tips for the Researcher
It must be something you know or something that
has special meaning for you. An ideal topic is one that
does not only elicit curiosity but one which you already
have some knowledge of.

4. 2. Check availability of materials or resources on your
chosen topic.
Some Tips for the Researcher
Many materials written on the subject ensure
a thorough investigation on the subject. There
should be at least two up to date and reliable books
and magazines on the subject.

5. 3. Consider the length of the report and the length of
the time needed to complete the report.
Some Tips for the Researcher
A short report demands a short time to prepare.
A delimited or specific topics also requires research
time.

6. 4. Find a topics of novelty.
Some Tips for the Researcher
5. Consider the age level, interest and occupation of
your expected readers.

7. Helpful question that may asked to start or
set the mind of the researcher working:
1. What could be the need of the time?
2. What field or area am I interested in? is it a field where others could be
interest too?
3. Has the field been explored? Are there research studies already available
in this field of study?
4. Will I be able to handle the area competently?
5. What situation surround this field of study?
6. Who are the personalities who have done something in this particular
field?
7. What will the result be useful for?
8. What is the importance of the particular field?

8. Defining and Narrowing Down a
Topic
After choosing a topic for the research, the
researcher should examine whether the topic chosen is
quite broad or narrow.
Given the tome and the number of pages the
researcher needs to write, he/she must limit the topic of the
research to a manageable size. Establishing a suitable limit
for the topic is crucial step in organizing an effective report.
The shorter the report, the narrower the topic should be.

9. Defining and Narrowing Down a
Topic
Example:
Broad Topic: Environmental Awareness
Narrower Topic: Environmental Awareness of
Students
Narrowest Topic: Environmental Awareness
of Students in CSPC

10. Steps in Topic Definition and Delimitation
Defining and Narrowing Down a
Topic
1.Define major terms or concepts. Read literatures on the
topic to review what has been written on the concept by foreign and local
authors. As you read related literatures on the subject, you come across
studies, cases and/or papers related to the topic. From this, you can note
variables and define terms associated with the topic.
2. Focus on one main idea or event.

11. Steps in Topic Definition and Delimitation
Defining and Narrowing Down a
Topic
3. Read general articles on the topic to become
familiar with it. Encyclopedia articles are good sources of
background reading. Decide what facets of their subject are the most
interesting or most suitable for research.
4. Ask yourself a series of questions to delimit
the topics. The answer to each questions leads to narrowing
down the subject.

12. Quiz:
1. Why choosing a topic is the first, most difficult and
most important
step in the research process?
2. An ideal topic is one that draw curiosity but one
which you already have some knowledge of. (True or
False)
3-5. Give at least two tips or consideration that the
researcher must keep in mind on choosing a topic (key
words)?

13. Answer:
1. Bonus ( any answer that are related to the question is correct.)
2.TOPIC
3-5.
1.Choose a topic that is close to your interest and
experiences.
2.Check availability of materials or resources on your
chosen topic.
3. Consider the length of the report and the length of
the time needed to complete the report.
4. Find a topics of novelty.
5. Consider the age level, interest and occupation of
your expected readers.

14. Source:
Research and Technical Writing
By:
Reynaldo R. Fortillo
Ma. Consuelo S. Quindara
Mila E. Isles
Clarita O. Manzano
Vivian B. Flores
Imelda K. Gamboa
Amelia O. Bacuñgan
Carolina G. Alberca
Prepared by:
Mark Angelo B. Bernaldez