how to choose a dissertation topic in counseling

Mick Cooper Training and Consultancy

Choosing Your Research Topic: Some Pointers

If you're doing a research project in counselling, psychotherapy, or counselling psychology, choosing your topic can be one of the hardest things to get right. And often one of the things you get the least advice on. So how should you go about it?

Read through previous counselling/psychotherapy/counselling psychology research theses

Invaluable! Essential! Probably the most useful thing you can do to get you started. This will give you a real sense of the ‘shape’ of a research study in this field, what is expected of you, and the kinds of questions that you might want to ask.  Should be in your college library or ask a tutor.

originalITY is not everything

Often, in my experience, students come into Master’s or doctoral research projects thinking, ‘I must do something original… I must do something original.’ So they work away at finding some dark corner somewhere that no-one has ever looked into before. Of course, there does need to be originality in your research, but if you’re burrowing away into a corner somewhere then there’s a real danger that no-one else is going to be particularly interested in where you’re going—you’re off into a world of your own. So instead of asking yourself, ‘What can I do that no-one else has ever done before?’ ask yourself, ‘What can I do that builds on what has been done before?’ And that means…

…Get a sense of the field

What are the key questions being asked in your field today?  What are the issues that matter and that are of relevance to practice?  It’s great to draw on your own interests and experiences, but also make sure you develop some familiarity with the field as it currently stands.  This will help to ensure that your research is topical and relevant—of interest and importance to the wider field as well as yourself.  A great thing to do can be to find out what your tutors are researching and what they see as the key issues in the current field.  And do remember that there may be the possibility of developing your project alongside them in some way, so that you can contribute to a particular national- or international-level research initiative.

Also, right from the start, think about how your work and your research question might have the capacity to influence practice and policy.  This may be the biggest research project you’ll ever do.  So make it count.  Think about doing something that can really help others learn how to improve their practice, perhaps with a particular group of clients, or with respect to a particular method.  If it’s a doctoral level project, you’ll become a leading expert in that field, and you’ll be in a position to teach the rest of us how to be more helpful.  So think about what you’d like to find out about, which you can then disseminate to the field as a whole.

If you want to make your research count, have a really long think before you dive into doing research on therapists’ experiences or perceptions.  Lots of students study this: it’s reflexive, and it’s a relatively easy group to access.  But it also raises the question of how interested people are really going to be in how therapists’ see things.  After all, we’ve all been trained in particular beliefs and assumptions, so if we’re the subject of research, we’re often just going to reiterate what we’ve been taught to think.  Generally, clients make a much more worthwhile participant group, because you’re hearing first hand what it’s really like in therapy, and what works and what doesn’t.

Consult the literature

Once you’ve got some idea of what you’d like to look at, find out how other people have tried to answer that question. If no-one has tried to answer it before, that’s great, but you need to be really sure about that before going on to furrow your own path—after all, you don’t want to get to the end of your research to find out that somebody ‘discovered’ the same thing as you decades ago. So have a look on Google Scholar, and particularly on social science search engines like PsychInfo. Undertaking such searches also ensures that your research will be embedded within the wider research field, and it may well give you ideas about the kinds of questions that are timely to ask.

Make sure it's related to therapeutic practice

Choose a topic which is related, at least in some way, to the field of therapeutic practice. Most directly, this may include things like: clients’ experiences of helpful and unhelpful factors, how psychological interventions are perceived from those outside the field, or the applied role of counselling in such fields as education. Exploring people’s experiences of a particular phenomenon—for instance, women’s experiences of birth trauma—can also be related to therapeutic practice, but just be clear what the association might be. For instance, could that help therapists know how to work most effectively with that client group, or to know what issues to be sensitized to.

Find yourself a clearly-defined question

Try to find a single, clearly defined question as the basis for your study (see my Research Aims and Questions pointers ). This can then serve as your title. If you can't encapsulate your research project into a single question/sentence at some point, the chances are, you're probably not clear about exactly what it is you are asking.

That's ‘question’, not ‘questions’

One of the biggest problems students face is that they ask too many inter-related questions, with too many constructs of interest, and therefore get very muddled in what they are doing. For instance, they’re interested in attachment styles, and how it relates to dropout as mediated by the client’s personality in EMDR for trauma. But that’s five different constructs (attachment styles, dropout, personality types, EMDR, trauma—and, indeed, a sixth implicit one, which is the outcomes of EMDR for trauma), and generally you want to focus down on just one or two constructs (particularly in qualitative research), or maybe three at most if you are doing quantitative. So, for instance, you could focus on how attachment style influences dropout, or how clients experience EMDR for trauma, or the role of personality styles in mediating outcomes in EMDR for trauma. Or you could even just focus down on how clients experience dropout. All nice, straightforward questions that you can really get into at Master’s or doctoral level depth. So think about the constructs that you definitely want to focus in on, and let go of those that are maybe less central to your concerns. Of course, that’s difficult, and three of the main reasons why are given below—along with the things you may need to remind yourself of:

'I won't have enough material otherwise.'   Your word limit may seem like a lot, but you'll be amazed at how quickly it goes. If you just focus on one question, you will be able to go into it in a great amount of depth—far more appropriate to Master’s or doctoral study than trying to answer a number of questions and subsequently coming away with numerous superficial answers.

'There's lots of different aspects of this area that I'm interested in.' That's great, but you won't be able to cover it all in this one project. You can always do further research after this one. In limiting yourself to just one question, you may well experience feelings of loss or disappointment as you let go of areas you're really interested in, but it's better to feel that loss now than after you've put months of work into areas that are just too dispersed.

'I've already started to ask this other question, and I don't want to lose the reading that I've already done'. Again, it can be painful letting go of things, but there is no value in ‘throwing good money after bad.’ Sometimes in research you need to be brutal, and cut out areas of inquiry that don't fit in—even if you've sweated blood over them. Remember what authors say: the quality of their book is defined by what they leave out!

That’s ‘question’, not ‘answer’

Some of the most problematic projects come about when researchers try to show that a particular answer is the correct one, and consequently won’t let anything—including their own findings—get in their way. So if you really believe something about psychological therapies, like ‘person-centred therapy is much more effective than cognitive-behavioural therapy’, or ‘women make much better counselling psychologists than men’ then you may want to steer clear of this topic. That is, unless you can really get yourself into a frame of mind in which you are open to the possibility that you might find the absolute opposite of what you want—and you can enthusiastically write about the implications of this finding. Good research is like good therapy: you put to one side your own assumptions as much as possible, so that the reality of whatever you are encountering can come through. So, in trying to work out your research question, here’s something to really ask yourself:

What is the question that I genuinely don’t know the answer to (but would love to find out)?

And ‘genuinely’ here means genuinely. It means you really, actually, don’t know what the answer to that question is. If you can find that question, it’ll help enormously in your whole research project, because it’ll mean that you’re genuinely open to, and interested in, finding out what’s out there. That’s research!

But make sure there’s not too much literature on it

If you ask a question on which much has already been written—like the effectiveness of person-centred therapy—then you’re likely to be drowned in material before you even get to the end of the literature review. So narrow down your question—e.g. the effectiveness of advanced empathy in person-centred therapy—until you’ve got a manageable number of references in your sights. Don’t worry if it seems too few, you’ll no doubt pick up more references as you go along. And remember, you need to have full mastery of the literature regarding the question your asking, and it is a lot easier to master the information in five or six papers than it is in hundreds.

What’s often ideal is if you can move one step on from some pre-existing literature: e.g. extending a study about depression in men to looking at depression in women, testing out a theory that you’ve found in a book, or using qualitative research to address a question that has previously only been addressed through quantitative research. So don’t get too hung up on being totally ‘original’: in fact, if you try to be too original you can end up in a sea of confusion with no theoretical or methodological concepts to anchor yourself to. Having an original twist is often much more productive—you’re saying something new, but you’re building on what’s already been laid down.

Think methodology from the start

It’s no good coming up with a brilliant question if there is no way of actually answering it, or if answering it is going to be such a headache that you’ll wish that you never started in the first place. So as you come up with ideas, think about how feasible it might actually be to put them into practice. This is something you may really want to discuss early on with a colleague or research tutor.

Respondents MUST be accessible

In terms of the feasibility of the study, probably the most important question is whether or not you are actually going to get anyone to participate—to respond to your interviews, questionnaires, etc. It is essential to the success of your study that you get a good response rate, so thinking about who you do research with is often as important as thinking about what you do (see my research pointers here on recruiting participants). A number of factors will determine how good your response is likely to be: how big the population is in total, their motivation to help you, how easy it will be for you to get in touch with them, how cautious you will need to be as a consequence of ethical safeguards. So don’t just come up with an idea and hope blindly that someone out there will be interested. However hard you think it will be to get participants, you can guarantee that it will actually be several times harder than that, so make sure this is something you think about, and address, at an early stage.

Ethics come first

The principles of non-maleficence—doing no harm to your respondent—and, ideally, beneficence—promoting the respondent’s well-being—should be an integral part of your research design. So, right from the very start of your project, think about ways in which your research might benefit those that are involved; and also make sure that you have read and familiarised yourself with appropriate ethical guidelines, as well as any other sets of relevant standards.

Aside from ‘doing the right thing’, the issue of ethics will be an important one for you because, in any research study, you will need to submit your project to an ethics committee (see above), and the more sensitive your work, the more committees and the longer the time this is likely to take. For instance, if you wish to carry out research in the National Health Service, you will almost certainly need to go through an NHS ethics committee, which can take many months to consider and respond to proposals. So, as you start to develop your research ideas, be aware of the ethical issues and processes that it might raise, and try to find out about the ethical submissions that such a study is likely to entail. That way, you won’t suddenly find yourself facing a long and uncertain wait before you can proceed with your work -- or, if you do, at least you’ll be prepared for it.

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on November 11, 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George. Revised on November 20, 2023.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

• Your institution and department’s requirements
• Your areas of knowledge and interest
• The scientific, social, or practical relevance
• The availability of data and resources
• The timeframe of your dissertation
• The relevance of your topic

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

Table of contents

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about dissertation topics.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

• Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
• When is the deadline?
• Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
• Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

• Twentieth-century literature
• Economic history
• Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

• Twentieth-century literature   Twentieth-century Irish literature   Post-war Irish poetry
• Economic history   European economic history   German labor union history
• Health policy   Reproductive health policy   Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas — there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

• Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
• Analyzing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
• Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
• Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyze public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalize your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, socially or practically relevant to your field.

• Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
• Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
• Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

If you want to know more about the research process , methodology , research bias , or statistics , make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples.

Methodology

• Sampling methods
• Simple random sampling
• Stratified sampling
• Cluster sampling
• Likert scales
• Reproducibility

 Statistics

• Null hypothesis
• Statistical power
• Probability distribution
• Effect size
• Poisson distribution

Research bias

• Optimism bias
• Cognitive bias
• Implicit bias
• Hawthorne effect
• Anchoring bias
• Explicit bias

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

The best way to remember the difference between a research plan and a research proposal is that they have fundamentally different audiences. A research plan helps you, the researcher, organize your thoughts. On the other hand, a dissertation proposal or research proposal aims to convince others (e.g., a supervisor, a funding body, or a dissertation committee) that your research topic is relevant and worthy of being conducted.

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic – 9 Steps

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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Choosing a dissertation topic is really difficult.

When I had to choose dissertation topic I agonized for weeks.

And I’ve supervised over 50 students’ dissertations across undergraduate, masters and PhD levels. All of my students agonized over their topics, too.

So you’re not alone in your struggle.

The below tips for choosing a dissertation topic are the ones I wish I was given when I was in the process of looking for a suitable topic.

If only I’d known these points, I would have saved a lot of time and stress for myself. So if these tips only help one person out, I’ll be happy.

These tips really work for just about anybody. They’re particularly useful for undergraduate and Masters level students who are writing dissertations. But, I’m sure most doctoral students will also find these points relevant, too. Especially tips 1 – 3.

Here are my tips on how to choose a dissertation topic – I hope they come in handy, and good luck on your research journey!

Read Also: 25 Sociology Dissertation Ideas

1. It Doesn’t have to be Unique (Yet).

This is the one piece of advice I wish I had gotten when I was choosing my dissertation topic.

Many students feel like they need to find a unique topic that will blow their markers away.

I was this student.

I thought that I had to choose a topic and idea that was going to make a unique contribution to knowledge. I thought I had to discover something, or, at the very least, choose a topic that no one has ever done before.

So here’s what I wish someone had told me:

It doesn’t matter if other people have done the same topic as you.

Don’t even let it phase you for a moment if someone else has chosen your topic. Just choose whatever topic you want.

Well, because your unique contribution doesn’t come at the start. It comes at the end!

You’ll find a way to make a unique contribution after you have completed your literature review . There is always time and space to find a new angle or different way of doing the topic than other people.

So, don’t choose your topic because it’s unique or different.

Then … how should you choose your topic? Points 2 and 3 give you some tips…

2. Make it Relevant to your Career Goals.

The first thing I recommend to all my students is to consider how their topic can help progress their careers.

When giving guidance to my students, I ask them these three questions:

• a) What sort of specialization do you want in your career? If you’re studying teaching, your questions might be: do you want to be a specialized literacy teacher? do you want to be an expert on behavior management? Do you want to be specialized in play-based learning ?
• b) How do you want to differentiate yourself from your competition? Your dissertation topic is going to be the topic you ‘sell’ as your area of expertise in future job interviews. If you want to get a great job, choose a topic that really stands out in the marketplace. Have a think right now for yourself: what areas of your industry are booming? For example, would it be better to specialize in coal or solar panels? Which one would be best to talk about in a job interview in the 21 st Century?
• c) Do you want to be a research pro? Most of my students don’t want to be researchers as a career. They do their dissertations to prove mastery of their topic – that’s all. The research is a means to an end. But, if you think you want to go on to do the next level degree (a PhD one day?) then you’ll want to focus on having a high quality methodology, not just an interesting topic.

So, have a think now: is there a topic that will help you get to where you plan on going? What expert knowledge do you want to be able to ‘sell’ in a future interview?

3. Ensure it’s Interesting to You.

You’re going to be wedded to your chosen for a long time. And by the end of this journey you’re going to hate it.

To make your life easier, choose a topic you’re interested in.

Here’s two ways of approaching this:

Choose a Topic you Think About a Lot.

Choose a dissertation topic that you find yourself talking about, complaining about or raving about to your parents. Choose something that makes you angry, inspired or intrigued.

For the next week or so, I recommend taking notes whenever you find yourself thinking idly about something. Is that something you’ve thought about a lot?

Or, Choose a Topic by Looking over Past Assessment Tasks.

Another way of approaching the search for an interesting topic is to look over past assignments.

What assessment task have you done in the past few years that gripped you? Which one did you enjoy the most when you were studying it?

Zoom in on that topic and see if you can turn it into a dissertation.

Bonus tip: If you found a topic that was based on a previous assessment task, see if you can convince the person who taught that subject to be your dissertation supervisor.

4. Keep it Simple.

Too often, students want to choose a topic that is complex and complicated. They come up with a long, detailed research question (usually with the help of their professor) that, really, is hard to understand!

The best strategy is to come up with a topic that is really, really straightforward. At least, the topic should start as simple and straightforward.

Your topic is going to grow and expand into a monster. It’ll be hard to tame and control. You’ll be following random tangents down rabbit holes that end up being dead-ends. You’ll research aspects of the topic and realize it was a completely pointless exercise.

The way to minimize the crazy growth of your research project is to simplify it right from the start. Make it a really simple idea.

For example, I had a student who wanted to research:

“How big is the gap in mathematics outcomes between children from middle-class and working-class backgrounds by age 16?”

I would think that this topic may be achievable by a top academic with a sizeable research grant, but my student was completing a 10,000 word dissertation for graduating her Bachelor of Arts with Honours.

After several agonizing research meetings, we peeled it back over and again until we ended up with something much simpler and more specific:

“What are teachers’ opinions of the impact of poverty on learning?”

Why is this simpler and more specific?

Well, with the second study, my student has a clear focus group (teachers) and an achievable methodology (interviews). This will be far simpler than somehow conducting tests on 16-year old children, getting a significant amount of children to participate in the study, and then dissecting their mathematics test results by income level.

Instead, we aimed small and simple to ensure the task itself was achievable.

We’re not here to win a Nobel prize. You can do that with your multi-million-dollar post-doctoral research grant. Get your degree first.

5. Ensure it’s Achievable.

This piece of advice builds on the previous advice, to “keep it simple”.

Keeping it simple means making sure you have a clear, small-scale focus.

Esuring the project is achievable means choosing a methodology that won’t break you.

Small Scale Qualitative Studies are Achievable for Anyone

I always suggest to my Undergraduate and Masters level students to aim for a small scale study with no more than 20 research participants.

Now, I know there will be many of you out there who want to do quantitative research studies. And in reality, you can do a quantitative study with a small group of students. These usually involve quantitative action research case studies.

If you’re set on a quantitative study, that’s fine. But find a supervisor with the right experience.

Personally, I usually recommend a qualitative focus group analysis for anyone doing their first dissertation.

The biggest mistake you can make is biting off more than you can chew.

Small scale qualitative studies are the easiest option . They can be achieved within your time frame. And you can certainly still get a very high grade.

So, let’s take the example of the previous research question, which we changed from:

For the first study, you will have to develop skills in quantitative data analysis , find a sizeable cohort of students, get permission from their parents, get special permission to study children you’re your university ethics committee, develop a quality testing mechanism, pilot the test, conduct the test, analyze the data, then interpret it.

For the second study, you will not have to develop complex mathematical skills, bother with getting permission to research children, or deal with the rigor of quantitative analysis.

In other words, you will be able to bypass many hurdles you may face.

That’s the benefit of a small-scale qualitative study. It’s a nice easy first dissertation methodology. You can do it and do it well.

I know my position is controversial, but hey … I’m here to tell you how to avoid problems, not to stand on a soapbox.

Consider Textual Analysis, Semiotic Analysis or Secondary Research

Finding people to interview, survey or participate in your study in any way at all can be intimidating.

I find it interesting and really fulfilling. But I understand if you think it’s too much for you at this point in time.

If you don’t want to have to go out and find research participants for your study, I recommend one of these types of study:

• Textual Analysis : you can look at policy documents or newspaper articles and analyze their ideological positioning , for example;
• Semiotic Analysis : The quintessential semiotic analysis is the analysis of advertising images or movies and the examination of the ways they depict people of different races, social classes or genders;
• Secondary Research: Look over other people’s research and try to identify themes across a range of research studies.

Now, these three different methodologies are far outside of the scope of this discussion, but consult with your dissertation supervisor if you’re overwhelmed by the idea of conducting research with real human beings. One of these three methodologies may help you bypass that process, and make the dissertation feel more achievable for you.

6. Search Online for Inspiration

If you’re still struggling to choose a dissertation topic,  go online to get inspiration!

There’s a few ways you can do this. Here’s a few good ones:

a) Google Previous Dissertation Topics

Many universities upload their students’ dissertations onto an online repository. This means there are a ton of open, free to access databases of previous students’ dissertations all over the internet.

Simply google “Dissertation” + “pdf” + a topic you’re interested in. If you’re a masters student, you can do “masters dissertation” + “pdf” + the topic; and if you’re an undegrad, then simply do “undergraduate dissertation” + “pdf” + the topic;. Simple!

Up will pop a ton of dissertations that you can instantly download to check out previous students’ successful dissertation topics.

Another benefit of doing this is that you’ll be able to view and model the structure that previous students have used as well. This can be super beneficial for you early on!

b) Look at Recent Articles Published in Journals focused on your Topic

If you scroll through the recent issues of journals in your topic, you’ll find a range of research topic ideas.

To get access to top journals in your topic, simply google “Scholarly Journal” + your topic. For example, I am a professor in education. So I’d google “Scholarly journal” + “Education”.

The homepages for a ton of journals will pop up in the Google search. Quickly scan through the recent issues of those journals to see if any ideas will pop up that interest you!

c) If you’re Studying Education or Teaching, Check Here

Lastly, a quick plug for another post I’ve written for dissertation students:

• 51+ Dissertation Ideas for Education students .

Go check that out if you want to write a dissertation on the ‘education’ topic.

7. Trust your Dissertation Supervisor

Your dissertation supervisor will have walked many students just like you through the research process before.

Look, I know many dissertation supervisors can be disappointingly aloof and disconnected from your research. And relationships can get very frosty with your supervisors indeed.

Trust your supervisor. They make recommendations for a reason. They know how to navigate the dissertation writing process. If your supervisor makes a recommendation, strong – very strongly – consider it.

Your supervisor also has expertise in one area of research or another. Take advantage of their expertise. Be flexible and let them sway you down certain paths. You need a knowledgeable partner in the research process.

So, trust your supervisor. You need their expertise more than you know.

8. Come up with 3-5 Ideas and Bring them to your Supervisor for Feedback

Your initial dissertation topic ideas will probably need a lot of refinement.

The person who will help you to refine your topic will be your dissertation supervisor. Their main job, unfortunately, is to curb your enthusiasm. It’s to show you what problems you’ll face if you follow certain paths and recommend alterations to ensure your topic is achievable.

So, approach your supervisor with your 3-5 top ideas and watch them do their magic. They should advise you on how to turn your ideas into reality.

Your ideas can be specific or broad – really, it doesn’t matter because you’ll walk out of your supervision meeting with a lot of changed ideas. It doesn’t need to be set in stone.

You could, for example, go up to your supervisor and say something like:

• “I’m interested in Erikson’s theory of development. Do you have any suggestions of how I can use Erikson’s ideas for a dissertation?”
• “I’m really into conservative politics. What ideas do you have for an achievable topic?”
• Any other ideas…

They’ll help you shape and mold your topic into something achievable.

9. Lastly, Stick to your Choice

When I did my dissertation, I questioned my topic daily: I’d always be thinking up new, better ideas for my dissertation!

But once you’re locked in, it’s hard to change your mind. You’re going to get ethics permission to conduct your study, not anyone else’s!

So, my advice is simple:

Once you’ve chosen your topic, commit.

If you’re desperate to do another topic, fine, do another degree. If you’re doing your Master’s right now, bank those other ideas for a potential PhD down the track.

But once you’ve made your choice, really … you’ve got to commit, block out all your regrets and dig in.

Don’t worry about your friends who chose a dissertation topic that is better than yours. Stay in your lane, be content with your topic, and create a great product.

Writing a dissertation is an exercise in being practical more than anything. That start from the very first choice: choosing a dissertation topic that’s achievable and good for your career, and will also put you on the path for top marks.

• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Number Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Word Games for Kids (Free and Easy)
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 25 Outdoor Games for Kids
• Chris Drew (PhD) https://helpfulprofessor.com/author/chris-drew-phd-2/ 50 Incentives to Give to Students

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Degree In Sight

Starting the dissertation

Experts offer tips on picking a topic, conducting a lit review and narrowing your focus.

By MELISSA DITTMANN

gradPSYCH Staff

You've watched other classmates sweating over their dissertation topics, poring over the literature, agonizing over their research design, writing and editing. Now, it's your turn.

But, when and how do you begin?

Ideally, dissertation advisers say, students identify a research interest in the first or second year of their program and then use that general area as a theme throughout their coursework. But students don't need to view that general area as a trajectory of their career. Instead, experts encourage students to view the dissertation as a teaching exercise, in which they learn how to conduct, design and analyze independent research.

So first off, you need a topic.

"The topic is the foundation for everything-with a good topic and research question, you'll be set to go," says Melinda Stoops, PhD, a director of the counseling center at Framingham State College in Framingham, Mass., who has spoken at APA conferences on writing the dissertation.

Experts offer the following advice on tackling these beginning stages of your dissertation-from getting organized to narrowing your topic to identifying your problem and research questions.

Then, take it one chapter at a time, dissertation advisers say.

  PICKING A TOPIC

When deciding your topic, keep in mind that you will undoubtedly spend the next few years immersed in it, says psychologist John Cone, PhD, a professor emeritus at Alliant International University (AIU) and co-author with Sharon Foster, PhD, of "Dissertations and Theses from Start to Finish" (APA, 1993). Cone advises the following steps to pick a topic:

Ask a favorite professor, preferably one active in research, about possible topics.

Read departmental information on the research interests of the faculty to find a topic a faculty member is interested in as well. Consider asking the faculty member to be a part of your dissertation committee, which will help guide you in your research.

Read an empirical paper that interests you and see what future research is suggested in the discussion section.

Think about term papers you enjoyed writing and choose a topic that reflects those interests.

Sift through literature reviews in your areas of interest-such as in the Annual Review of Psychology, Psychological Bulletin and Clinical Psychology Review.

Avoid topics in which you are overly emotionally involved-such as research on depression if you or a family member is depressed. Such emotional elements can interfere with your research, Cone says.

To narrow your focus, identify what within your chosen topic area interests you, says Foster, a psychology professor at AIU. Bounce ideas off a mentor and consult the literature to determine what has been done before, she advises. Also, consider choosing a topic that you've already been exposed to, such as through your master's thesis or a research project.

That's exactly what sixth-year doctoral student Jody Ernst did. Ernst-who is in the University of Texas at Austin's individual differences and evolutionary psychology program-has spent her entire graduate career researching behavioral genetics.

"Selecting the topic sort of fell into place naturally as a product of the research I have been doing for the past five years," Ernst says. In particular, her dissertation investigates the genetic factors that influence problem behavior development over the life span.

"It is helpful to choose a topic that builds upon past work you have done," Ernst says. "I think this makes the process of identifying the big questions much easier because you are already familiar with the relevant literature."

But, make sure you have passion for the topic. Nate Tomcik-a fifth-year doctoral student in the clinical psychology program at the University of Tennessee-has an interest in his research on therapists' views of couples therapy because it allowed him to integrate research with his clinical work with couples.

"My advice would be to not choose a topic that is an unappealing offshoot of your adviser's work or a project that you have lukewarm feelings about in general," Tomcik suggests. "It's important to remember that the dissertation is a marathon, not a sprint, and lukewarm feelings can turn cold quickly.

"If I didn't love my dissertation idea as much as I do, I know it would have been much harder to stay on track and focused," he adds.

  CONDUCTING THE LIT REVIEW

Once you've identified a topic, the next step is to write a review of the literature in the area. The lit review section will include a brief introduction to your topic, introduce key concepts and review the existing literature.

But be prepared: The lit review often is the most difficult part of the dissertation, Foster maintains.

"Sometimes you are going to feel lost and like you don't know where you're going," Foster says. "The reason for that is because you are trying to do several things concurrently-you're trying to learn about this whole field and get a conceptual framework of how to map out this area of research."

But, it's nothing your classes haven't prepared you to take on, Foster says.

Cone and Foster also suggest that students:

Determine how experts in the field have organized their thinking by reading chapters or integrative articles they've written.

Find meta-analyses, journal articles or books on the topic and scan their reference sections for other references.

Identify key journals that cover the topic and scan their table of contents from the past five years for material.

Search electronic bibliographies-such as PsycINFO (which contains nearly 2 million citations of journal articles, books and dissertations in psychology) or the Education Resources Information Center, or ERIC, which offers a database of journal and other education literature.

Identify major authors in the area and search for them by name in databases, such as PsycLIT, to determine if they've written on other related items.

Determine if related research might be published under different keywords.

For example, Foster says in her research on girls' aggression, "aggression" as a keyword didn't cover it. Without trying other keywords, she would have missed key information on "delinquency" and "conduct disorders," which use similar criteria to define the population.

Jennifer Reese-a fourth-year doctoral student in the PsyD program at the University of Denver-used what she calls the "scavenger hunt" approach for her lit review; she scanned reference sections of relevant books and journal articles and then found those referenced sources as well. She is validating the use of Jane Elliott's Blue Eyes Brown Eyes exercise, a behavior training method that uses discrimination against a person's eye color to teach Caucasians about prejudice and oppression. Reese even spoke with Elliott-a retired schoolteacher who created the experiment in the 1960s-to get background on what similar studies had been done.

So how do you know when you've gathered enough for your lit review? "I know when I go to the reference sections, and I'm not finding any new things-when I keep turning up the same things over and over again," Foster says.

  IDENTIFYING THE PROBLEM AND QUESTIONS

Once you feel confident that you've covered the literature, identify the rationale for your study, why it's important and what hasn't been studied about it before, Foster says.

To do that, Cone suggests writing a paragraph or two summarizing the literature review. Then, determine what unresolved issues are identified in the most recently cited studies-and most relevant to your study. Select one of these issues and formulate one or two research questions and associated hypotheses.

When formulating the research question, consider whether you'll be able to recruit enough participants, Stoops says. Ask your dissertation committee-which usually comprises three or four faculty members you choose when you first begin your dissertation-for feedback on whether they believe you'll be able to recruit enough participants or obtain animals, if needed, dissertation advisers suggest.

After her extensive lit review, Ernst was able to pinpoint her research questions for her dissertation on problem behavior development, including: Are there predictable developmental trajectories for problem behaviors? What factors influence the development of problem behaviors for vulnerable individuals across the life span? She identified these questions by finding the gaps within the problem behavior development literature.

Both the statement of the problem and research questions will be lumped in the introduction of your dissertation, which provides an overview of your study. But, while the introduction is sometimes the first chapter in your dissertation, don't feel compelled to have it be the first thing you do, says Framingham State College's Stoops. She didn't write her introduction until after doing her lit review and methodology.

However, Ernst wrote her statement first and then continually added relevant citations as she came upon them.

"Writing the intro first helped me to organize my thoughts about gaps in current research and helped me to identify what new and relevant information I would be adding to this line of research," she says.

  STAYING ON TRACK

Whatever methods you choose, even these beginning stages to your dissertation may seem overwhelming. So treat your dissertation as a job, Cone advises. He suggests committing 10 to 20 hours per week for 12 to 18 months to avoid becoming a casualty to the All But Dissertation (ABD) label. Set specific work hours and choose a specific place to work, he advises.

And tap the guidance of others-such as professors, peers or other mentors-who can help you through the process, Foster adds. (For tips to finding a mentor, see Building mentorships for success .)

"People who are a little ahead of you in the process can be very helpful," Foster says. "They will tell you what they've gone through and normalize your experience and give you leads."

One way to get a peer network for your dissertation: Join the APAGS dissertation listserv . 

Another is taking a class on the dissertation process. That certainly helped Chris Bernuth, a sixth-year counseling psychology doctoral student at University of Missouri-Columbia, to stay on track. The professor's due dates and the class's extra support prevented procrastination, he says.

"Very smart people can become ABD because they procrastinate or think they can write the dissertation in a couple of all-night sessions, and you cannot do that with a dissertation," Foster says.

When Stoops was working on her dissertation, she combated tendencies to procrastinate by setting deadlines with her dissertation chair. One way to set those deadlines, Cone says, is to list each step in chronological order and then use it to create a milestone chart.

And most importantly, Cone says students can be confident about their ability to complete the dissertation.

"After all," he says, "you have made it this far."

The dissertation, start to finish

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How to choose a dissertation topic.

Your doctoral degree program culminates in a dissertation if you’re working toward an academic doctorate, or a doctoral study if you’re going for a professional doctorate degree. Both approaches are designed to bring new information to light through real-world research that addresses an actual problem in your field of interest.

Regardless of whether you’re earning your doctorate at an online university or in a more traditional academic setting, one of the first—and most important—steps in the dissertation process is selecting a topic. “You can’t do anything else until you figure out the basic focus,” says Dr. Susann V. Getsch, who chose online learning and earned her PhD in Psychology from Walden University.

5 Steps to Choosing a Dissertation Topic

Choosing a dissertation topic for a doctoral degree is a crucial step in your academic journey. The topic you choose will guide your research for several years, and it should be something that excites and challenges you. Here is a five-step guide to help you navigate the decision-making process:

• Interests: List the subjects, theories, or phenomena that intrigue you within your field of study.
• Strengths: Recognize your skills and align them with your interests to find areas where you can make a substantial contribution.
• Meet with advisors: Consult with academic mentors or advisors to help refine your interests into potential research questions.
• Existing research: Analyze the current literature in your area of interest to understand what has already been done, the methodologies used, and the gaps that exist.
• Find a niche: Look for a specific area where you can add value or a new perspective. The ideal topic will build on existing work while offering something original.
• Resources: Determine what resources, including equipment, funding, and time, you will need to complete the research.
• Access to data: Make sure that you will be able to obtain the necessary data or subjects to study.
• Alignment with goals: Ensure that the topic aligns with your long-term career goals and the requirements of your doctoral program.
• Craft a question: Formulate a clear and focused research question or hypothesis that can guide your study.
• Methodological considerations: Consider how you will answer this question and what methods you will use, and ensure that it is a feasible approach.
• Peer review: Share your proposed topic with peers and faculty to gain insights and feedback.
• Formal proposal: In many programs, you will need to submit a formal proposal that outlines your research question, methodology, and relevance to the field.
• Ethical considerations: If your research involves human subjects, ensure that you comply with all ethical guidelines and obtain necessary approvals.

What Makes a Good PhD Dissertation Topic?

After following the steps above, if you’re still not sure you’ve picked a good dissertation topic, consider the relevance of your topic. Your topic should be academically, socially, or practically relevant. 1

• An academically relevant topic will answer a question that’s still being debated in your field, or it will look at a population that differs from those that have been studied in existing research.
• A socially relevant dissertation topic has potential social change implications, such as policy changes, community improvements, or job creation.
• A practically relevant doctoral dissertation topic is applicable to current practice in a field. Research that improves processes or solves problems may be practically relevant.

Tips for Choosing a Dissertation Topic

Within the context of PhD programs, there are a number of different approaches when selecting your dissertation topic. To offer you some direct insight, we asked four alumni of Walden’s online graduate degree programs to share their experiences and provide helpful tips you can follow during the process.

Susann V. Getsch, PhD in Psychology

• Develop a topic that will hold your interest.  Determine what resources you have available—time, money, people—and choose a topic that isn’t too resource-intensive. You’ll be spending at least a year on a dissertation (or any large research project), so it has to be compelling enough to keep your attention.
• Read everything you can on the subject.  Go outside of your required class readings and you might just run across something that helps you develop the framework for your research.
• Find a theoretical basis to support your topic.  Do some research to find theories that fit your study perfectly.
• Look for a niche in which you can make a difference.  Be sure you’re really offering something new to the field. You can’t change the world with one dissertation, so focus on the crux of what you want to explore and add something new to the field.
• Let yourself shift gears.  Frequently, the topic you start with deviates from your original plan as it evolves.
• Fine-tune your topic based on input from others.  Take every opportunity to seek constructive feedback and incorporate advice from experts.

Vicky D. Woodruff, PhD in Health Services Kristal D. Ayres, Doctor of Education (EdD)

• Study your passion.  Start with a subject you’re passionate about and then look into the existing research conducted to help determine the next logical step.
• Find available data.  Use a previously conducted study to capture comparative data and develop good working relationships with the people who are in charge of that data. You may also need a written legal agreement—so sort through those details first.
• Build a good committee.  Interview your committee members first to ensure they understand and are passionate about your goals. After all, it would be impossible to do the work alone. With the support of your committee, you’ll have a great team on your side.
• Only ask questions that can be answered.  Use your rich, powerful data to your full advantage, and stick within its confines. Also, determine early on if there are any biases in the data. Your goal is to create an airtight study.
• Think about your work as part of an international dialogue.  What else is published on your topic? Understand your data in a broader context and be actively engaged.

Shane Fairbairn, PhD in Education

• Take advantage of the resources available.  Use the resources offered by your university to help with your decision-making. This might include your research center or applicable seminars.
• Tap into your peers.  Meet with each of your cohorts and ask them to weigh in on your topic and plans for research.
• Consult your mentor.  A good and experienced mentor can be your best resource for providing straightforward advice and direction for moving forward.

Writing a dissertation is a rewarding experience. The research you conduct and present will not only greatly expand your specialized knowledge, but it could help others in your discipline and the greater community for years to come.

Pursue Your Doctoral Degree Online at Walden University

If you want to position yourself to make more meaningful contributions to your field, consider earning a PhD or doctorate. Walden, an accredited university, offers more than 20 online doctoral degree programs with dozens of specializations to choose from. That means you can better maintain a work-life balance while you enhance your knowledge and further your skills. With online learning, you can complete coursework at whatever time of day works best for you, from anywhere with an internet connection.

Walden University is an accredited institution offering online degree programs at the bachelor’s , master’s , and doctoral levels, as well as online certificate programs . Expand your career options and earn your degree using a convenient, flexible learning platform that fits your busy life.

1 Source: www.scribbr.com/research-process/dissertation-topic

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Research Topics & Ideas: Psychology

100+ Psychology Topic Ideas To Fast-Track Your Research

If you’re starting out on the dissertation or thesis journey for your psychology degree, the very first challenge you’ll face is finding a solid research topic . In this post, we’ll help get the topic ideation process started by providing a meaty list of research ideas, spanning a range of psychology sub-disciplines. We’ll also look at some examples from actual theses and dissertations to give you an idea of what these look like in the real world.

NB – This is just the start…

The topic ideation and evaluation process has multiple steps (which we’ll explain a little later). Therefore, it’s important to recognise that this post is only the first step in finding a high-quality psychology-centred research topic. To develop a research topic, you’ll need to identify a clear and convincing research gap , and a viable plan of action to fill that gap.

If this all sounds a bit intimidating, be sure to check out our free dissertation mini-course , which covers the process of writing a dissertation or thesis from A-Z. You can also sign up for our free webinar that explores how to find a high-quality research topic. Alternatively, if you’d like hands-on help, have a look at our 1-on-1 coaching service .

Overview: Psychology-Related Topics

• How to find a research topic (video)
• Behavioural psychology
• Clinical psychology
• Cognitive psychology
• Developmental psychology
• Educational psychology
• Forensic psychology
• Social psychology
• Sports psychology
• Examples of actual dissertation topics
• Free Webinar : Topic Ideation 101
• Where to get extra help

How To Find A Research Topic

In the video below, we explain how to find suitable research ideas (in psychology or any field), and how to then refine those into well-articulated potential topics for your dissertation or thesis. We also discuss a few important evaluation criteria to help you make the right choice for your project.

Below you’ll find a list of research ideas to get your thinking started. Please note that these research topic ideas are intentionally broad and generic, so you will need to refine them a fair deal using the techniques we discussed in the video above.

We’ve grouped the topic ideas based on a few popular areas of psychology to make it a little easier for you to find something in your particular field of interest. That said, there is naturally some overlap between topics, so keep this in mind.

Research Ideas: Behavioural Psychology

• Cultural variation in behaviour and mental health of adolescents during a disaster: a case study
• The impact of parental drug use and risky behaviour on early child development
• The effects of video game violence on aggressive behaviour among teenage boys in school
• The relationship between adverse childhood experiences and adult risk-seeking behaviour
• The impact of physical exercise on anxiety and health-harming behaviour
• The relationship between personality traits and addiction behaviour
• The effects of reinforcement schedules on decision-making and associative learning
• The effects of daily mindfulness practice on stress and anxiety in middle-aged women
• The use of behavioural interventions in the treatment of eating disorders in poorer communities
• Understanding implicit cognitive processes involved in the over-consumption of fast food
• The use of cognitive behavioural therapy for alcohol addiction treatment
• The impact of extensive technology use in children on long-term attention and focus
• The impact of social media on self-destructive behaviour and poor mental health outcomes
• Exploring the role of sleep and sleep deprivation on healthy behaviours

Research Ideas: Clinical Psychology

• The use of mindfulness-based approaches in the treatment of anxiety disorders among college students
• The use of technology in the delivery of psychological services in war-torn countries
• The effectiveness of dialectical behaviour therapy for borderline personality disorder
• The use of virtual reality technology in the treatment of phobias and PTSD among war veterans
• The role of childhood adversity on adult mental health in immigrant populations in the USA
• The role of genetics and epigenetics in the development of bipolar disorder in Pakistani women: an integrative review
• The effectiveness of pharmacotherapy in the treatment of social anxiety among hikikomori in Japan
• The perception of healthcare workers and patients on the use of teletherapy for the delivery of psychological services
• The impact of social support on mental health outcomes among single parents.
• The effectiveness of integrative therapeutic approaches in the treatment of schizophrenia
• The effectiveness of trauma-focused therapies on post-traumatic growth in domestic abuse survivors
• The role and use of cognitive-behavioural therapy for depression among first-generation students
• The effectiveness of family therapy in addressing childhood trauma and depression
• The impact of cultural mistrust on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health issues in culturally-diverse populations
• The effectiveness of group therapy on post-traumatic stress symptoms among survivors of sexual assault

Research Ideas: Cognitive Psychology

• The impact of lifelong aerobic exercise on cognitive function in old age
• The effects of evening screen use on cognitive development in preschool children
• The impact of sleep deprivation on decision-making among graduate students
• The use of neuroimaging to understand the neural basis of memory retrieval
• The effect of conservative religious homes on social functioning in LGBT+ adolescents
• The role of positive emotions in working memory among high school learners
• The neural basis of decision-making and problem-solving during undergraduate statistic assessments
• The neural basis of language processing among adults learning English as a second language
• The role of technological tools in improving working memory in older adults
• The role of attention in emotional face processing among adult males
• The impact of depression on cognitive function during ageing The impact of daily meditation and mindfulness practice on cognitive function
• The relationship between increased protein intake and improved cognitive function
• The effects of stress on cognitive function among final-year learners

Research Ideas: Developmental Psychology

• The impact of maternal affection on cognitive, social, and emotional development
• The effects of parenting styles on children’s executive function
• The impact of late-night screen use on child development
• The role of digital play on child development outcomes
• Exploring the impact of poverty on early child development in Brazil
• The trauma-informed care as moderating the impact of trauma on child development
• Evaluating the relationship between peer relationship quality and child social development
• The impact of child-targeted media and advertising on child behavioural development
• The role of parental attachment in child resilience
• The moderating impact of culture on bullying and child social development
• The impact of single-parenting on child development in India
• The impact of early educational interventions on child socio-emotional development
• The impact of digital technology use on adolescent development and mental health
• The impact of socioeconomic status on child executive function
• The role of genetics and epigenetics on child neurodevelopmental outcomes linked to depression

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Research Ideas: Educational Psychology

• The relationship between self-regulated learning and academic performance in asynchronous versus synchronous learning environments
• Exploring effective parental involvement strategies and their impact on student achievement
• The role of intrinsic motivation in formative assessment in the classroom
• The impact of classroom management and practice on student learning and behaviour
• University students’ preference regarding online learning environments
• The effects of gentrification on student achievement in traditionally poor neighbourhoods
• The impact of teacher expectations and academic self-concept on K12 student mathematics performance
• The use and effectiveness of game-based learning in a high school biology classroom
• The impact of prejudice on the relationship between student motivation and academic performance among Black university students
• The impact of culture on second language English student learning preferences
• The effects of student self-efficacy and engagement on academic performance in secondary school mathematics
• The role of metacognition in learning musicality in hip hop
• The role of small group instruction on teacher efficacy and stress in early childhood education
• The perception and use of multimedia among high school biology teachers in France
• The use of augmented reality applications and its impact on student learning, motivation and attitude

Research Ideas: Forensic Psychology

• The impact of trauma on the psychological functioning of police officers and first responders
• Understanding cultural considerations during forensic psychological assessment and treatment of trauma
• Ethical considerations of the use of AI in forensic psychology in the legal system
• The psychological factors related to recidivism among white collar female offenders in the USA
• The psychological factors related to false confessions among juveniles
• Understanding the use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of eyewitness testimony in criminal courts in England
• The impact of trauma on the reflective functioning of adult female sexual assault victims
• The use and effectiveness of psychological interventions in reducing recidivism among non-violent criminals
• The impact of domestic violence on the mental health and forensic evaluation of men
• Exploring the ethical considerations and use of behavioural analysis in the study of criminal behaviour
• The use and limitations of neuropsychological assessment in forensic evaluations
• The use of social media forensics in evaluating criminal behaviour in violent crimes
• The racialised use of psychological assessment in the evaluation of competency to stand trial in Canada
• Exploring the use and availability of virtual reality technologies in forensic psychology in Spain
• The impact of motivational interviewing-based interventions among criminalized drug users

Research Ideas: Social Psychology

• The impact of prejudice and discrimination on social behaviour among African immigrants in South Africa
• The impact of social networks on behaviour and well-being among young adult females
• The effects of social identity on non-conformity in University students
• The effects of group dynamics on risk-seeking behaviour in adult men
• The impact of social media on the quality of interpersonal relationships among high school learners
• The impact of parental emotional intelligence on pro-social behaviour in children and adolescents
• The effects of conformity and deviance on social attitudes and behaviour during a global recession
• The effects of Tik Tok on social comparison and self-esteem among teenage girls
• Understanding gendered differences in social influence and algorithms on impulsive decision-making
• The effects of social support on mental health among healthcare workers in the UK
• The effects of gender roles on social behaviour among trans teens
• The impact of perceived power and social status on the behaviour of social media influencers
• The impact of social norms on prosocial behaviour among women
• The effects of community participation on aggression and violence in middle-aged men
• The impact of culture and gender on social behaviour during the COVID-19 pandemic

Research Ideas: Sports Psychology

• The moderating role of cultural factors on the relationship between mental health and sports performance in team sports
• The role of mindfulness practice in addressing stress and anxiety in young national athletes
• The relationship between team cohesion and performance in cricket teams
• The effect of transformational leadership on female sports teams in Canada
• The effect of positive self-talk on athletic performance and motivation among Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of hypnosis in New Zealand team sports Understanding stress and burnout in University team athletes
• The efficacy of personalised nutrition and diet on athletic performance among sprinters
• Exploring mental preparation techniques and their effect on athletic motivation and resilience among team-sport athletes
• Exploring the perception and understanding of goal-setting characteristics on athletic performance among team coaches
• The effects of motivational feedback on the performance of female gymnasts
• The perception and use of visualization and imagery among coaches as a means to enhance sport performance
• The impact of sports injuries on mental health and recovery in high school athletes
• The moderating role of sleep on mental toughness and sports performance in Olympic athletes
• The use and perception of technology in sports training and performance in little league softball

Psychology-Related Dissertations & Theses

While the ideas we’ve presented above are a decent starting point for finding a research topic in psychology, they are fairly generic and non-specific. So, it helps to look at actual dissertations and theses to see how this all comes together in practice.

Below, we’ve included a selection of research projects from various psychology degree programs to help refine your thinking. These are actual dissertations and theses, written as part of Master’s and PhD-level programs, so they can provide some useful insight as to what a research topic looks like in practice.

• Effects of a Patient Question Prompt List on Outpatient Palliative Care Appointments (McDarby, 2022)
• The role of affect and exercise goals in physical activity engagement in younger and older adults (Stojanovic, 2022)
• Lay Theories about Whether Emotion Helps or Hinders Reasoning and Well-being (Karnaze, 2022)
• The effects of blast-induced traumatic brain injury on two transgenic models of Alzheimer’s Disease (Gann, 2020)
• Understanding the parental mind: Examining the stability of parental reflective functioning across the birth of a child and associations with maternal mind-mindedness (Pitzen, 2021)
• An investigation of ineffective ally behaviours (Collier, 2019)
• Response Inhibition-Related Beta Power: Distinguishing Cognitively Intact Elders by Risk for Alzheimer’s Disease (Evans, 2021)
• Recognition Memory of Extremely High-Frequency Words (Miller, 2019)
• The Relationship between Dementia Caregiver Burden and Caregiver Communications in a Memory Clinic Setting (Martin, 2021)
• Examination of Maternal Versus Paternal Ratings of Child Pre-Injury Functioning in Predicting Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms (Sayer, 2021)
• Electromyography As A Means of Predicting The Rubber Hand Illusion (Teaford, 2021)
• Linking Diversity Climate and Feedback Seeking Through Interpersonal Processes and Race Effects (Flores, 2021)

Looking at these titles, you can probably pick up that the research topics here are far more specific and narrowly-focused , compared to the generic ones presented earlier. This is an important thing to keep in mind as you develop your own research topic. That is to say, to create a top-notch research topic, you must be precise and target a specific context with specific variables of interest . In other words, you need to identify a clear, well-justified research gap.

Fast-Track Your Topic Ideation

Still unsure about how to find the right topic for your research project? Check out our private coaching services , where we work with psychology students on a 1:1 basis to help them find the perfect topic.

10 Comments

Great insight

A very interesting site that offers a variety of options regarding research topics.

You’re most welcome

A good platform to get information

Amazing and interesting options 👌

Very useful but had not any field of research in health psychology

I feel honored going through this lovely stuff put together. Thank you so much

I need counseling psychology research topics

very empowering and insightful presentations. Can I be assisted in crafting a school psychology-related research topic about African context

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• Student Guide
• Unlocking the Secrets: A Comprehensive Guide on How to Choose a Dissertation Topic

A Comprehensive Guide on How to Choose a Dissertation Topic

Introduction

Choosing a dissertation topic often poses many challenges for postgraduate students. It could require more than simply selecting subject matter that intrigues you or that you think might impress your supervisor; rather, it may involve finding an area of research that could aligns with your abilities, research goals, and the state of the art in your field. As such, the selection process may be a critical part of writing a dissertation and could impact the success of your entire dissertation project.

An important key to choosing a dissertation topic that is both feasible and engaging is to understand that a topic isn’t so much an idea as a question. The goal of your dissertation isn’t to create a scholarly work about existing knowledge, it is to answer a question that is timely and relevant. Keep this in mind as you work through the steps that follow.

This comprehensive guide outlines steps for choosing a researchable and interesting doctoral dissertation topic and provides you with insights and factors to consider when choosing your dissertation topic. So, if you are ready to unlock the secrets of choosing a great dissertation topic, read on!

Overview of the steps for selecting a dissertation topic

Your first thought in choosing a research subject might be: I need to start brainstorming! But brainstorming without structure may not yield the types of topics that, ultimately, could lead to a quality dissertation. Instead, try implementing a more systematic approach to selecting your dissertation topic:

• Get a handle on the basics.
• Review previous dissertations.
• Identify your areas of interest.
• Conduct a literature review.
• Narrow down your topic options.
• Submit a proposal and receive approval of your dissertation topic.

Getting a Handle on the Basics

Before you start the ideation process, you take time to understand the requirements of your program. You also need to ensure that you have a firm grasp of the types of research and data analysis methodologies you may be implementing in your dissertation.

Program requirements

You are typically given a list of requirements to guide your dissertation writing. At a minimum, the requirements may provide minimum and maximum word count and deadline. But stricter requirements might also specify methodological conditions, tone (academic or professional), types of sources you may use, and whether you need to conduct fieldwork. You might save yourself lots of time and a boatload of frustration if you understand the dissertation guidelines of your department before you embark on your search for a topic.

If you feel unclear about any aspects of these requirements, now is the time to speak with your dissertation advisor.

Understanding the research process

You might think this step is unnecessary—after all, you may have worked on research projects in the past and taken extensive coursework in research practices. However, you might have stronger command of one practice over the other; or, your dissertation requirements might specify methodologies that you may not be as familiar with.

You wouldn’t start building a bridge if you were fuzzy on engineering protocols; and you shouldn’t dive into your dissertation without having command of the methodologies you may be using. At the least, you should understand the differences between quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods of research and have a firm grasp of data analysis methods.

Reviewing Past Dissertations

You’ll find a myriad of quality dissertations out there that could guide you in writing your own dissertation.

Past dissertations might serve as helpful examples and may give you a sense of what your own dissertation should look like. As you review other dissertations, pay attention to things such as extent of the bibliography, depth of the literature review, the types of research and data analysis methodologies, and salience of the results.

You might also use findings in those dissertations to spark your own questions. Check out the bibliography section for articles that might inspire further ideas of the types of topic you may want to write about.

Identifying Your Areas of Interest

It might seem obvious that your dissertation topic should be about something that interests you—after all, dissertations typically take time to complete, and you want to be engaged through the process. However, sometimes students may be tempted to choose a topic that is their supervisor’s passion and not their own. Writing about a topic you are lukewarm about could erode your motivation and might make a challenging process even more difficult.

When it comes to identifying your interests, think broadly. There may be subsets within a general area that you had little knowledge of or wouldn’t have thought of. In addition, limiting the breadth of your ideas could box you into a topic that has insufficient depth or opportunities for research.

Also consider past work you may have done. Were there any projects that particularly piqued your interest and that you excelled in? Were there some that you found tedious and unmotivating? Use these experiences to guide your exploration of topics.

Conducting a Literature Review

In a sense, you may have already started your literature review by exploring dissertations. Now, however, you could step it up a notch by focusing on journal articles and other scholarly works.

Importance of a literature review in dissertation topic selection

Conducting a literature review could be helpful in nailing down a feasible and relevant dissertation topic. In exploring the literature, you are not only looking for topic ideas—you are looking to understand two things: the current state of knowledge in a field and the “gap.”

The current state of knowledge refers to what is already known. What are the latest important discoveries? What kinds of questions are being asked? What types of research are being conducted? If you aren’t aware of the current state of the topics you have identified so far, your dissertation could wind up being outdated and unoriginal.

The “gap,” then, refers to what isn’t known. These are the kinds of things you may want to think about in selecting your dissertation focus. What research still needs to be done? What direction is the research going in? What questions still need to be answered? By focusing on the gap, you may help ensure that your dissertation is timely and worthwhile.

Where to start

Your literature review should be based on material that is timely and scholarly. Where do you find such material? Start with your college library. Academic librarians could assist you in crafting effective searches and help you tap into the interlibrary loan service (ILL), which allows libraries to borrow journal articles they don’t own.

Another good source could be reading lists from previous courses. Literature chosen by your professors is likely to be timely and informative. Review the lists and choose articles that may relate to the areas you want to explore.

In addition, there are a number of search engines that are geared toward finding scholarly articles. Some of these include:

• Google Scholar
• Google Books
• Microsoft Academic Search
• WorldWideScience
• Science.gov
• Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC)
• Virtual Learning Resources Center (VLRC)
• ResearchGate
• PubMed Central

Finally, once you find articles that align with your topics and standards, check the bibliography to discover further sources that could benefit your efforts.

Identifying topics from your literature review

As you review the literature, remember: You are looking to answer a question in your dissertation. Focus not only on the area of research in the literature but also on the questions the author was asking.

As you explore, organize the results of your search. When you find ideas that intrigue you, make a note of them—the topic area they fall into, the questions you might ask, and what the answers might contribute to the field. Make sure to cite the original source so you could go back again if you need to.

Check bibliographies for other articles that cover topics you are interested in. Many journal articles include a “Further Research” section, which could be a goldmine in providing you with ideas that are relevant and timely.

Take time to be thorough. Read carefully to ensure that you fully comprehend the information and are able to formulate questions to ask based on it. Consolidate any ideas that overlap or might be redundant.

Once you generate a list of questions, go back to the literature to make sure those questions haven’t already been answered.

Narrowing Down Your Topic Options

Narrowing down topics generally involves more than just choosing a few that might be more interesting than others. It’s time to assess the topics you identified as to whether they are plausible.

Evaluating the feasibility of a topic

Although the timeline for completing your dissertation may sometimes seem almost interminable, the reality is there is an end date, a deadline. Consider each topic you’ve made note of. How complex is it—would you have enough time to adequately discuss it and stay within your word count? How extensive would the research and data analysis have to be? Would you be delving into areas that you have little or no familiarity with?

Also take time to assess whether you might have the resources—and skills—to research and analyze data for each topic. What facilities are available to you? What types of research have you effectively done before? What types of research methods are of interest to you?

In sum, you could set yourself up for failure by being overly ambitious or not staying within your comfort zone and time constraints.

Identifying a researchable dissertation topic

Some topics may lend themselves to being researched—or to being researched further—while others may not. For each topic you are considering, ask yourself: Are the questions answerable through research—or even answerable at all?

Examine the scope and depth of each topic. Is there enough literature to draw from and enough existing data to build on? What types of research have already been conducted? Do the results of that research open up further questions?

Also consider the potential for research that could make an original contribution . This doesn’t necessarily mean that your results need to be groundbreaking—rather, they might clarify or put a new spin on previous findings.

Go back to the literature you noted during your review and revisit it with this question in mind: Does the research in this article contribute to an understanding of the field? Does the bibliography contain other research articles pertaining to the field? Are there questions that still need to be answered?

With all that you have gleaned in mind, bite the bullet and select a topic that covers the bases: feasible, researchable, engaging, and original.

Receiving Approval for Your Dissertation Topic

You typically will need to write a proposal for your topic and submit it to your supervisor. Then, assuming the proposal isn’t rejected point-blank, sit down with them and thoroughly discuss it. The feedback you receive could be important.

Discuss the criteria from the previous section. Does your advisor think your proposal is feasible? Is your topic researchable? Be open to criticism and try to learn from it.

You may need to revise your proposal based on your advisor’s feedback. If so, don’t feel discouraged—your goal is to generate a proposal that is robust, feasible, and original.

If there is one message you could take away from reading this article, it might be this: Don’t rush the process of working toward finding a dissertation topic. Take time to use the work of others to guide your search. Give yourself room to be thoughtful and creative. Anticipate the time the selection process might take and build it into your dissertation schedule. Remember that building on the work of others is not “cheating”—it may be one of the important components to guiding exploration and making new discoveries.

While writing a dissertation may seem daunting, using a rigorous approach to selecting a topic could make the process easier, help you avoid pitfalls, and contribute to your overall success.

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic

Published by Jamie Walker at August 16th, 2021 , Revised On April 19, 2024

The dissertation is one of the most testing academic assignments for undergraduate, graduate, or doctoral students. When writing a dissertation , you are expected to answer a particular  research question  and derive findings that can have implications for future research.

Nevertheless, writing can be a daunting task because dissertations are complex academic documents with intricate rules. Particularly, students need to select a good dissertation topic.

However, the prospect of selecting the appropriate topic can be overwhelming because many lack experience  writing dissertations .  In other cases, students might have limited time for writing as they have to manage their personal and professional needs.

Here we bring to you important guidelines that can facilitate if you are unsure how to choose a dissertation topic that is interesting, relevant, and manageable.

Step 1. Assess the Course Requirements

If you have just started to look for a topic, you might be wondering how I chose a dissertation topic that could leave a lasting impression on my supervisor and help me score a high academic grade.

It is important to note that each course has specific requirements or terms and conditions that guide students to determine the dissertation topic that best suits their needs.  The nature and suitability of your chosen dissertation topic are dependent on the academic course being studied.

For example, you might have wanted to know how to choose a thesis topic for a master’s or how to choose a thesis topic for an undergraduate course but overlooked your course requirements.

It is vitally important to look into your course requirements before narrowing down the topics instead of being caught up in confusion.

Your department’s dissertation writing requirements , in some cases, can be very extended and perplexing; specifying the minimum and maximum word count, outline the  list of possible topics , and identify the methodological requirements.

On the other hand, the prerequisites might be very limiting and unclear, with only the deadline and word count requirements being specified. No matter the requirements, it is essential to check with the course coordinator if students are unsure about choosing a topic for the dissertation.

ORDER FREE DISSERTATION TOPIC

Step 2. Select an Extensive Field

A prudent practise is to evaluate topics that are interesting for students in their courses. For instance, students can select a familiar topic that guides them during research. It is relatively easy to start research with known topics since you will not have to write from the beginning.

One way to find a topic is to search how to choose a dissertation topic on Google . There is no need to have advanced knowledge about the topic since basic information can guide students to investigate the topic further and narrow it down to something relevant, valuable, and manageable.

At ResearchProspect, we have created hundreds of topics for undergraduate, Masters and Ph.D. students. Please click here to find your topic in our free dissertation topics database, no matter the academic subject. We are the only company in the UK that provides free topics along with an aim and justification to help you get started.

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Step 3. Search Relevant Academic Literature

This is another important aspect of how to choose a dissertation topic. Students should find reliable and credible books, online dissertation topics databases, and articles to explore possible topics.

Highly rated journals frequently publish articles that introduce readers to new research on any topic. One way of choosing a dissertation topic is to use  Google Scholar , which is a good resource for finding relevant journals for any subject.

It includes abstracts  of relevant research that can inspire students to select their dissertation topic. Many universities have online libraries that students can access to find information about their specific subjects.

For example, students might want to know how to  choose a dissertation topic in English literature . The above methods can assist them in the research process.  While reading different books and articles, students should make notes about ideas that can be used to create a list of possible topics.

Also Read: What is Research Problem in Dissertation?

Step 4: Narrow Topic to Niche

Now that you have already completed the preliminary research, the next step would be to evaluate every topic and scrap the ones that are either too broad or too narrow.

The key to choosing a great dissertation topic is to identify a niche that still needs more research or a topic that is still debatable among researchers. You can investigate contemporary issues that have an impact on humans and society.

An example of a niche topic is “Social media strategies for business organizations”.

Another example would be “Identification of barriers that act as obstacles towards the popularity of sustainable architecture”.

Whatever the specific niche, it is crucial that adequate information on the topic is available because of the need to provide a robust theoretical basis for the dissertation.  Develop a research problem statement  and research questions to further narrow the topic.

Here are some ideas for you to consider;

Identify the time needed to study the academic sources on the topic.

If the list of sources is extensive then it might be necessary to narrow the topic even further.

If you are unable to perform primary research, make sure there is adequate information to complete the objectives of your descriptive dissertation.

Step 5. Evaluate the Best Research Approach when Choosing Topic

Select the research method that is most suitable for your dissertation and meets your degree programme. This is an important stage of choosing a dissertation topic, but there is no need to panic.

The two methods of research employed in academic research are known as primary research and secondary research . It is recommended that students evaluate artefacts or examine various theoretical approaches.

For example, if you have chosen  a dissertation topic in education , then you might decide to base your dissertation on primary research because primary research would enable you to address a research problem that is of critical importance to the education industry by filling an obvious gap in knowledge.

On the other hand, if you are testing a hypothesis and you find out that there is sufficient literature already available on the subject, then you could base your dissertation purely on secondary data.

However, dissertations can include one or multiple approaches to research. You should consult with your mentors about the best research method, especially when unsure about how to choose a dissertation topic for a PhD level assignment .

Primary research can be costly and time-consuming, while secondary research is cost-effective and saves time. Selecting the right approach is dependent on the resources and time available to students.

Here are the most notable advantages and disadvantages of primary and secondary research. 

Step 6. Demonstrate the Relevance of Topic

Perhaps the most important step is to ensure the topic is relevant to your field of study. Your topic should be academically relevant and aim to fill a gap in existing knowledge or provide new insights into the field.

It should also be socially relevant as the results should promote social change and contribute towards an understanding of society.

Finally, it must be practically relevant by contributing towards problem-solving or improving quality of life. A relevant topic should be interlinked with contemporary subjects, debates, and topics. The research problem  can be used to demonstrate the relevance of the topic.

For example, if you are stuck on how to choose a dissertation topic for a master’s course, a master’s dissertation on strategic human resource management could identify the implications of the research for modern firms and their HR practices.

Similarly, if you are doing all this research to choose a doctoral dissertation topic, a doctoral dissertation on a political science topic could assess the implications for policymakers.

Step 7. Submit the Topic to Committee

Once you have selected a topic, and are ready to proceed, submit the topic with a brief description to the program supervisor or coordinator. Once approved, a  dissertation research proposal  will be needed as the next step.

If your supervisor doesn’t approve of your chosen topic, there is still no need to panic. You can follow the same steps on how to choose a dissertation topic and send them more suggestions.

Each of the steps described in this article is part of a gradual and systematic process that will assist students in how to choose a dissertation topic. It is important to use planning and preparation because the result of your dissertation project, to some extent, will depend on your chosen topic.

At ResearchProspect, we have created hundreds of free topic suggestions for students. Whether you are an undergraduate, Master’s, or Ph.D. student, you can find an interesting, relevant, suitable, and manageable topic for your research in our free dissertation topics library .

Our dissertation writers can also provide you with  free custom topic ideas and a plan/outline  on your chosen topic to help you get your topic and plan of research approved by your supervisor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does your dissertation topic matter.

Yes, your dissertation topic matters significantly. It shapes your research, impacts your engagement, and influences your academic and career path. A well-chosen topic aligns with your interests, contributes to your field, and enhances your overall learning experience.

How to choose a dissertation topic?

• Assess the course requirements
• Select an extensive field 
• Search relevant academic literature 
• Narrow topic to the niche 
• Demonstrate the relevance of your topic
• Submit topic to the committee’

Can I change my dissertation topic?

Yes, you can change your dissertation topic, but the process varies by institution and department. Consult with your advisor and review departmental guidelines. Changing topics may require additional time, research, and resources, so weigh the benefits and drawbacks before making a final decision. Always prioritise your academic and research interests.

How to choose a dissertation topic for an undergraduate?

Identify your interests within your field. Explore coursework, readings, and discussions that intrigued you. Conduct preliminary research to gauge existing literature. Discuss potential topics with professors or advisors. Ensure feasibility in terms of data, resources, and time. Opt for a unique angle but remain within the scope of undergraduate expectations.

How many words is a dissertation title?

A dissertation title’s length varies, but it is typically concise. Most titles range between 10 and 15 words. The aim is to be descriptive and clear while capturing the essence of the research. It should give readers an immediate understanding of the topic without being overly lengthy or ambiguous. Always follow institutional guidelines.

Does a dissertation need a title?

Yes, a dissertation needs a title. The title succinctly conveys the essence of the research and provides a first impression to readers. It helps in identifying the work’s main theme and acts as a reference point for scholars, researchers, and anyone engaging with the dissertation. A clear, relevant title is crucial.

Can you do a dissertation on an existing topic?

Yes, dissertations often explore existing topics by offering new insights, methodologies, or perspectives. However, it’s essential to ensure your contribution is original, either by adding new data, analysing existing data differently, or proposing novel interpretations. You can add a new mediator or moderator to ensure originality. Acknowledging existing literature and building upon it is integral to scholarly research. 

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Choosing Your Dissertation Topic: Strategies for Balancing Interest and Feasibility

Introduction      

Understanding Your Interests      

Consulting with Others    

Evaluating Resources and Accessibility     

Aligning Topic with Career Goals     

Conducting Preliminary Research     

Conclusion    

Additional Resources     

Introduction

The process of selecting a dissertation topic is pivotal for every graduate student. This decision not only sets the trajectory of your academic journey but also impacts your future career prospects. The challenge lies not only in finding a topic that sparks your interest but also in ensuring that it is feasible. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive guide on how to navigate this complex decision-making process by balancing personal passion with practical research considerations.

Understanding Your Interests

Identifying your passion.

The foundation of a compelling dissertation is a topic that resonates deeply with you, one that you are genuinely passionate about. Start by revisiting the subjects and courses that have consistently engaged and excited you throughout your university course These are clues to areas that can sustain your interest over the long haul of dissertation research.

Make a list of these topics, and reflect on what exactly about them captivates you. This process might involve a mix of reviewing past papers you've written, projects you've undertaken, or just areas where you've spent considerable time reading and thinking. Remember, your dissertation should not only fulfil an academic requirement but also keep you intellectually stimulated.

Once you have a list of potential topics, prioritize them based on your excitement level and the depth of interest. This prioritization helps in focusing on topics that not only promise a fulfilling research journey but are also viable in terms of available resources and existing knowledge gaps in your field.

Broadening Your Horizons

While it’s important to align your dissertation with your established interests, exploring emerging trends or new areas within your discipline can offer fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to longstanding debates. This can be particularly advantageous in fields that are rapidly evolving, as contributing new knowledge in these areas can significantly boost your academic and professional profile.

Interdisciplinary topics, which integrate methods and theories from multiple disciplines, offer a way to tackle complex problems in a more holistic manner. This not only broadens the scope of your research but also increases its relevance across various fields. For instance, a dissertation on climate change might integrate data from environmental science, policy studies, and economics, providing a richer, more comprehensive analysis that could have broader implications and appeal.

Engage with current journals, attend seminars and workshops, and participate in academic networks to stay updated on the latest research trends. These activities can provide inspiration and insight into how new areas are shaping the future of your field. Plus, they can help you identify gaps where your research could make a significant impact.

Consulting with Others

Leveraging academic advisors.

Academic advisors are not just mentors but critical assets in the formulation of your dissertation topic. An advisor with a deep understanding of your field’s landscape can provide invaluable guidance on the relevance and viability of your proposed research. Engage with them early in the process to refine your topic based on their insights and the latest academic trends they are aware of.

Advisors can also help you navigate the academic community’s expectations and standards, which is crucial in shaping a successful dissertation proposal. They can point out if similar research has already been done, thereby helping you adjust your topic to tackle unexplored or under-explored areas. Their experience can steer you away from potential pitfalls and direct you towards a topic that not only fulfils academic requirements but also adds new knowledge to your field.

Regular meetings with your advisor to discuss your evolving ideas and their feasibility can be extremely beneficial. Be open to feedback, and use it constructively to fine-tune your focus or approach as needed.

Peer Discussions

Engaging with peers can be just as crucial as consulting with advisors. Your fellow students, especially those who might not be in your immediate area of study, can provide a fresh perspective on your proposed topic. These discussions can challenge your assumptions, expose you to new ideas, and clarify your thinking.

Organize informal review sessions where you and your peers exchange dissertation ideas and provide feedback. Such interactions can also reveal opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations, which could enrich your dissertation and broaden its impact.

Moreover, these discussions can foster a supportive community that motivates you through the ups and downs of the dissertation process. They can also lead to lasting professional relationships, which will be invaluable as you advance in your career.

This peer-level exchange not only diversifies your understanding but also sharpens your argumentation skills, preparing you for the formal defence of your dissertation.

Evaluating Resources and Accessibility

Resource availability.

Before settling on a dissertation topic, conduct a thorough inventory of the resources you will need. This includes access to data, specialized equipment, software, or specific geographical locations. Consider the availability of these resources within your institution or through collaborations. It’s important to determine early if your study’s requirements can be met given your current circumstances and budget.

List all necessary resources and initiate conversations with department heads or library staff to ascertain their availability. If certain essential resources are not accessible, consider feasible alternatives that could still allow you to pursue an adjusted version of your topic. This proactive approach prevents delays and significant changes to your dissertation topic later in the process.

If your research depends on fieldwork, ensure you have a clear understanding of the logistical and financial support available for such endeavours. Sometimes, acquiring special permissions or access to restricted databases can take longer than anticipated, so plan accordingly.

Research Location and Travel

Field-based research requires careful planning, especially when it involves travel. Assess the feasibility of travel-based research by considering factors such as travel restrictions, financial support, and personal commitments. Safety and political stability of the intended research location are also crucial factors to consider.

Map out a detailed plan that includes potential travel dates, the duration of stays required, and a budget. This should be aligned with the overall timeline of your dissertation. Consider having backup plans, such as alternative sites or virtual data collection methods, in case your primary plan proves impractical.

Consult with others who have conducted fieldwork in the areas you are considering. Their experiences can provide insights into potential challenges you might face and how best to overcome them. This preparation is essential for ensuring that your dissertation timeline remains realistic and manageable.

These detailed expansions provide a comprehensive guide for each subsection, enriching the blog post with actionable advice and thoughtful considerations for graduate students embarking on their dissertation journey.

Aligning Topic with Career Goals

Career trajectory.

When selecting a dissertation topic, it's essential to consider how it will align with and impact your long-term career goals. Your dissertation can significantly influence your professional trajectory by positioning you as an expert in a specific area. Choosing a topic that aligns with emerging trends in your industry or within academia can open doors to future job prospects, grant opportunities, and collaborative projects.

Begin by researching the current demands and future predictions within your field. Identify which areas are growing in importance and where experts will be needed. If you're aiming for a career in academia, consider topics that will fill significant gaps in the current research or address pressing questions that can elevate your academic profile. For those looking toward industry roles, select topics that have practical applications and are likely to attract the attention of potential employers or investors.

Think strategically about the connections between your dissertation topic and the skills that are highly valued in your desired career path. For instance, if data analysis is a critical skill in your field, consider a dissertation that involves complex statistical methods or innovative data visualization techniques. This approach not only enhances your expertise but also showcases your skills through your dissertation work.

Moreover, consider the potential for your dissertation to be published as articles in peer-reviewed journals or as a book. Publications can significantly enhance your academic CV and increase your visibility in the field. They provide a platform to demonstrate thought leadership and expertise, which are crucial for academic and research-based careers.

Engage with professionals in your field to get feedback on the relevance of your proposed topic to current market needs. Networking with industry experts can provide insider insights and may even lead to mentorship opportunities. These connections can be invaluable as you move forward in your career, providing guidance, and potentially opening doors to job opportunities post-dissertation.

Ultimately, your dissertation should serve as a bridge to the next stage of your professional life. By thoughtfully aligning your research topic with your career aspirations, you create opportunities to transition smoothly into a fulfilling career, equipped with a robust set of research and an established professional network. Remember, a well-chosen topic not only contributes to your field but also catalyses your career advancement.

Conducting Preliminary Research

Testing feasibility.

Before finalizing your dissertation topic, conducting preliminary research is crucial to determine its feasibility. This initial stage involves a thorough review of existing literature to assess whether your proposed topic has already been extensively covered or if there is a gap that your research could fill. This step not only solidifies the foundation of your dissertation but also ensures you are not duplicating previous work, thus increasing the originality and relevance of your research.

Start by accessing academic databases, journals, and other scholarly resources related to your field. Look for recent publications and review articles, which can provide a comprehensive overview of current research trends and methodologies. This can help you identify what has been done, what questions remain unanswered, and what methods are currently considered best practice in your area of study.

Additionally, identify and evaluate potential data sources. Whether your research will rely on primary data collection or secondary data analysis, understanding the availability, accessibility, and suitability of these data sources is essential. Consider any ethical implications or permissions required to access these sources, and start the application process early if necessary.

Consider the methodological approaches used in existing research and evaluate their strengths and weaknesses in the context of your proposed topic. This can guide you in selecting the most appropriate methods for your own research, potentially highlighting innovative approaches or adaptations that could set your work apart.

Adjusting Your Focus

As you delve deeper into preliminary research, be prepared to refine or adjust your dissertation topic. Initial findings might reveal that certain aspects of your proposed research are impractical due to resource limitations, ethical concerns, or oversaturation in the field. Adaptability is crucial; being willing to narrow your focus or shift your approach can lead to a more robust and feasible dissertation project.

For example, you may find that your intended broad survey of a phenomenon could be more effectively examined through a detailed case study. Alternatively, unexpected findings in the literature could lead you to tweak your research question to address an overlooked niche or a newly emerging trend.

During this phase, maintain regular communication with your academic advisors and peers to discuss your findings and any adjustments you're considering. Their feedback can be invaluable in helping you refine your approach. They can provide perspectives you might not have considered, helping to ensure that your dissertation remains relevant, feasible, and academically valuable.

Ultimately, the preliminary research stage is about laying a solid foundation for your dissertation. By thoroughly testing the feasibility of your topic and remaining flexible in your approach, you set the stage for a successful research endeavour that contributes meaningfully to your field and supports your academic and professional growth.

Choosing the right dissertation topic is a pivotal decision that influences not only the trajectory of your academic journey but also has potential to shape your future career prospects. This article has explored a multifaceted approach to selecting a topic that balances your personal interests with the practical aspects of research feasibility. By delving deeply into your passions, consulting with advisors and peers, evaluating available resources, and considering your future career goals, you can position yourself to select a dissertation topic that is both personally fulfilling and academically robust.

Your dissertation is more than just a requirement for graduation—it's an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to your field. The strategies outlined here, from understanding your interests to conducting preliminary research and aligning your topic with career goals, are designed to guide you through the complexities of topic selection. Each step in this process is crucial in ensuring that your chosen topic is not only viable but also positions you for future success.

As you move forward, remember that flexibility and adaptability are key. Your research may evolve as new findings come to light and as you delve deeper into your topic. The ability to pivot and refine your focus based on preliminary research and ongoing feedback will prove invaluable.

Ultimately, the journey of selecting and researching your dissertation topic should be viewed as an opportunity for growth and learning. It’s a chance to explore a topic that fascinates you, to develop expertise, and to lay the groundwork for your future endeavours. Take this process seriously, but also allow yourself to enjoy the discovery and the challenges it brings. By doing so, you can ensure that your work not only meets academic standards but also enriches your intellectual and professional life.

Additional Resources

Embarking on a dissertation is a significant academic endeavour, and having access to a range of resources can make the process smoother and more effective. Here are some additional resources that can assist you in choosing and refining your dissertation topic:

University Libraries and Databases :

JSTOR and Google Scholar : These platforms offer extensive access to academic journals, articles, and books across various disciplines.

ProQuest Dissertations & Theses : A comprehensive collection of dissertations and theses from around the world which can provide insights into how other researchers have approached their topics.

Research Methodology Books :

"Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches" by John W. Creswell : A fundamental text that outlines various research methodologies and designs, useful for planning your dissertation structure.

"The Craft of Research" by Wayne C. Booth, Gregory G. Colomb, and Joseph M. Williams : Offers practical advice on all aspects of research, from formulating a question to presenting evidence.

Online Courses and Workshops :

Coursera and EdX : Offer courses on research methodology and specific subjects that might help you deepen your understanding of potential topics.

University-sponsored workshops : Often hosted by graduate schools, these workshops can help in refining research questions and methodologies.

Lined and Blank Notebooks: Available for purchase from Amazon , we offer a selection of lined and blank notebooks designed for students to capture all dissertation-related thoughts and research in one centralized place, ensuring that you can easily access and review your work as the project evolves.

The lined notebooks provide a structured format for detailed notetaking and organizing research questions systematically

The blank notebooks offer a free-form space ideal for sketching out ideas, diagrams, and unstructured notes.

These resources are designed to support you through the various stages of your dissertation, from topic selection to final writing. Leveraging them can enhance both the depth and quality of your research, helping you to produce a comprehensive and impactful dissertation.

As an Amazon Associate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.

Crafting Your Thesis Statement: Formulating a Strong Research Question

Getting started with your dissertation: understanding the requirements.

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Home > Behavioral Sciences > Counselor Education and Family Studies > Doctoral Dissertations

Doctoral Dissertations

Submissions from 2024 2024.

Examining the Correlation between Moral Incongruence, Relationship Satisfaction, Sexual Shame, Perceived Compulsivity, and Self-Compassion among Pornography Users with Childhood Sexual Abuse History , Balogun F. Bosede

Military Spouse Counselors: Exploring Mental Health, Resilience, Coping, and Burnout , Melinda Poteet Brinkley

The Lived Experiences of Perimenopausal Christian Women: A Qualitative Phenomenological Study , Sheri Collinsworth Cobarruvias

Pressured to Conform: The Qualitative Paradigm in Counselor Education and Supervision , Bridger Dale Falkenstien

Wellness in Licensed Professional Counselors: Counselor Perception of Documentation Expectations on Professional Satisfaction , Aleta Seay Gibbs

Exploring the Lived Experience of Counseling Leaders and Professionals in the East African Community Transitioning Through the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study , Daniel Muthini Kimony

The Shared Experiences of Self-Care Practices among Postgraduate Residents-in-Counseling, Pursuing Virginia Licensure: A Phenomenological Study , Audrey A. King

Reform in School Discipline: A Social Constructivist Approach that Leverages School Counselor Involvement , Kerbie Marc

Avoiding the Cliff: A Case Study Exploring a Community-Based Program Working with Young Adults with Disabilities , Jon Christopher McKinnon

A Phenomenological Study of Adoptive Parents’ Distress , Erica Rhoads

A Parent-Child Intervention for Conveying Unconditional Love: A Transcendental Phenomenological Pilot Study , Saundra H. Robinson

Counselor Educators' Acceptance of Immersive and Interactive Virtual Reality as a Pedagogical Tool , Melissa A. Smith

Moderated Mediated Model of Religiosity, God Image, and Self Compassion , Amanda Strivings

Submissions from 2023 2023

The Perceived Availability and Usefulness of Academic Accommodations, Academic Supports, and Academic Self-Efficacy in Graduate Counseling Students with Invisible Disabilities: A Preliminary Study , Lisa Marie Ansell

CCAPG, Shame Resilience, and God Attachment: A Case Study Analysis , Jeremy Duane Bonta

Seeking Help for Intimate Betrayal Trauma: The Lived Experience of Unsuspecting Wives Receiving Counseling Messages from Mental Health Professionals after Discovering Their Sexually Addicted Spouse's Out-of-Control Behavior , Johanna Dillenbeck

Bicultural Appalachian Females: The Mediating Effect of Perceived Stigma on Health Outcomes , Victoria Lynn Evans-Fulton

Perfectionism and Religious Well-being: Exploring the Mediating Effects of Sense of Belonging Among Christian College Students , Charity L. Frazier

The Lived Experience of Dually-Roled Counseling Supervisors Working in Settings That Require Simultaneous Clinical and Administrative Supervisory Roles: A Qualitative Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study , Amy Lynn Hayes

A Phenomenological Study Exploring the Lived Experiences Of Dominican Baseball Players Transitioning from the Dominican Minor League Camps to a Successful Major League Career , Samuel Lima

Parents’ Perceptions of Change on Child and Parent Outcomes in Response to a Disability Responsive Adaptation of Child-Parent Relationship Therapy , Elizabeth Francoise Parr-Comeaux

The Creative Arts Personal Growth Group With Centering Prayer for Sexual Trauma Survivors: A Transformative-Coping Focused Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis Study , Rachel M. Parrish-Martin

Exploring Resiliency to Burnout: A Phenomenological Study of Addiction Counselors Resilient to Burnout , Brian Paulson

The Impact of COVID-19 on Leadership Development and Burnout among Korean Immigrant Church Leaders in the United States: A Phenomenological Study , Jinwon Seo

A Phenomenological Study of Lived Experiences of Drug Treatment Court Judges , Jennifer Smith Ramey

Beyond Acculturation and Resilience: International Students Navigating Shame and Self-Concept , Shauna Thompson

Counselor in Training Perceived Ability to Learn Curriculum Standards and the Moderating Effect of Mindset on Learning , Jody Ellen Vernam

Submissions from 2022 2022

Integrated Model for Teaching Multicultural Competence: Incorporating Broaching as a Basic Skill for Counseling Students , Katie Askren

God-image and Romantic Partner Relationships: Emotional Neglect and Adult Women , Danette Alene Buchanan

My Sister's Keeper: Using Vision Boards to Examine Cross-Racial Mentorship and Supervision Experiences of Black Women Counselor Educators Who Attended CACREP CES Programs at Predominately White Institutions , Donnette A. Deigh

Exploring Parental Perceptions Concerning Sexual Communication Between Sub-Saharan African Immigrant Parents and Their Children , Kwame Owura Frimpong

Developing Professional Behaviors During Residency: The Shared Experiences of Resident in Counseling Supervisors , Jennifer D. Gobble

A Mediation Analysis: Adult Children of Alcoholics, Resilience, Depression, Anxiety, and Attachment Disruption with the Role of Self-Compassion: A Moderation Analysis , Jessica Ellen Kuehne

Case Study of Lived Experiences: Three Male Peer Recovery Coaches at a Community-based, Spiritual, Residential Substance Abuse Recovery Program , Vicki Lynn Moak

Exploring the Lived Experiences of Working Mothers Persisting in CACREP-Accredited CES Doctoral Programs Transitioning Through the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Phenomenological Study , Shannon Mercer Pugh

The Shared Experiences of Privilege and Oppression Among Black Females in Counselor Education and Supervision Programs: A Thematic Analysis , Kimberly Spellman

How Utilizing an Online Holistic Social Media Group Impacts Symptoms and Quality of Life in Individuals with Anxiety , Sherri Ann Walker

Submissions from 2021 2021

The Impact of a Service-Learning Study Abroad Trip on Social Justice Advocacy in Counselors-in-Training: A Thematic Analysis , Sagen Lynae Blackwell

Sister-to-Sister: A Phenomenological Study of Women’s Experiences of having a Sister with Autism Spectrum Disorder based on the Female Autism Phenotype , William Gregory Carroll

Examining the Role of Self-Compassion in Resilience Among African American Women: A Qualitative Perspective , Vivian W. France

Legacy Trail: Photovoice of African American/Black Women CES Doctoral Graduates Persistence , Andrea M. Garraway

Can Telling a Shame-Evoking Story in an Online Format Reduce Shame Experienced? , Ann Michele Gregory

A Room with a View: Experiences of Moms Off Meth Using Heuristic Inquiry , Joey Leigh Gude

Development of Spiritual Competency in Counseling: A Pilot Research Study of Graduate Students at End of Training , Rebecca Dawn Hill

Counselor Education and the Delivery of Telemental Health Services , Nils Juarez Palma

Black Effect: Black Students' Experiences in CACREP Master's Programs at HBCUs , Angelia M. Lomax

Leadership Development of Ethnic Minoritized Men in CES: A Phenomenological Theory Study , Maria E. Moore

The Creative Arts Personal Growth Group for Eating Disorder Recovery: An Embodiment-Focused Feminist Phenomenological Study , Sandra Dena Noble

Moral Disapproval, Perceived Addiction, God-Image and Externalization: A Moderation Analysis , Christopher L. Ostrander

Social Anxiety, Pornography Use, and Loneliness: A Mediation Analysis , Melissa J. Ostrander

The Cost of Compassion: Assessing the Impact of Organizational Culture & Self-Care on Compassion Fatigue & Compassion Satisfaction in Counselors , Jennifer Leigh Owen

The Relationship among Religiosity, Childhood Sexual Abuse, and God Attachment on the Development of Sexual Shame , Derek James Parker

Predictors of the Treatment Retention and Quality of Recovery from Opioid Use Disorder Using Buprenorphine in Medication-Assisted Treatment: A Pilot Study of the Effects of Hope, Grit, and Readiness to Change , John S. Pulliam

The Serial Mediation of the Relationship between Sexual Shame and Marital Relationship Satisfaction by Sexual Communication in a Parallel Relationship of Sexual Satisfaction and Marital Relational Intimacy , Mark A. Saunders Sr

Preliminary Examination of School Counselors' Perception of Their Ability to Provide Direct and Indirect Student Services , Angela K. Waggoner

The Moderation of an Intimate Relationship on Pornography Use Among Religious Singles , Brandon Paul Waggoner

The Shared Experiences of Black Women Faculty in Counselor Education Programs at Predominately White Institutions: A Thematic Analysis , Caitlyn Ybarra

Submissions from 2020 2020

The Reentry Experience for Study Abroad Counselors-in-Training , Corinna Arndt

Mental Health Counseling for Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities: Attitudes and Experiences of Licensed Counselors , Alysha Dawn Blagg

Evaluating the Relationship between Supervisor Self-Efficacy and Competence and the Supervisory Relationship: A Mediation Model , Henry Michael Bruns

The Mental Health Needs of Coresident Offspring Dementia Caregivers: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis , Nancy L. Cadwell Dusthimer

Pornography and Purpose in Life: A Moderated Mediation Analysis , Cynthia Marie Evans

A Faith-Driven Protocol on Gratitude, Forgiveness, and Stress for Chin Refugees from Burma: An Exploratory Study , Sally Goh

The Impact of Externalization on the Sexual Satisfaction of Pornography Users: A Moderated Mediation Analysis , Kristin Liesl Hauswirth

The Black Ceiling: The Underrepresentation of African American Females in the CES Professorate , Sharon Vanessa Lewis

Acculturative Stress, Loneliness, and Depressive Symptoms in International Students: A Moderation Analysis of Religious Faith and Sense of Meaning , Heyde Marques Luz

My Spouse Is Amazing Like Me: The Association Between Homogamy for Narcissism and Relationship Satisfaction , Kerry Anne Marsh

A Bicultural Service Member/Civilian Identity and Motivations-Based Assessment of Moral Injury in U.S. Military and Veteran Populations from America’s Longest Wars , Jamie Allison McNally

The Effect of Solo-Masturbation and Moral Disapproval on the Relationship Between Internet Pornography Use, Religious Struggles, Sexual Shame, and Depression: A Moderated Mediation Model , Ken Derance Miller

Self-Induced Moral Injuries, Sexual Shame, and Well-Being: The Moderating Role of Self-Forgiveness , Teresa Lynn Phillips-Harris

Tying Wellness into Action: A Phenomenological Study of Graduate Counseling Fieldwork Students at a Christian University , Daniel E. Reyes

Faculty-Student Mentoring-Relationship Experiences of African-American/Black CES Doctoral Students , Steven Odipo Siaji

Emotional Regulation and Treatment Progress of Male Child and Adolescent Therapeutic Campers , Stephen Edward Talley

Creative Exposure Intervention – Group Version for Social Anxiety: A Mixed Methods Replication Study , Michael Todd Trexler

The Relationship between Parental Stress and Externalizing Behavior: The Mediating Role of Family Functioning on Ethnically Diverse Families in Multisystemic Therapy , Jennifer D. Vinces-Cua

The EMDR Integrative Group Treatment Protocol for Ongoing Traumatic Stress with Female Survivors of Child Marriage, Trafficking, and Exploitation in Dhaka, Bangladesh , Sarah Frances Walsh

Submissions from 2019 2019

The Experience of Meaning and Purpose in Life among Adult Iraqi Refugees in Jordan: A Qualitative Study , Reem Issa Abbasi

Spiritually Focused Mindfulness Meditation: An Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis of the Effect of Spiritually Focused Mindfulness Meditation on Depression with a Clinical Population , Grace Lynn Bellingham

Attachment and Burnout: Exploring the Predictive Nature of Self-Efficacy in a Sample of Direct-Care Staff Members , Eric Jason Camden

Initial Development and Validation of the Multidimensional Strong Black Woman Scale , Brandi Janee' Chamberlin

Effectiveness of Religious Cognitive Behavior Therapy for the Treatment of Clinical Depression in Religious People: A Single-Case Research Design Analysis , Richard Mark Cozart

Integrating Multicultural Discussions in Counseling Supervision: A Grounded Theory Study , Zoricelis Davila

Developing the Refined Sexual Shame Inventory: Validation Study of the Kyle Inventory of Sexual Shame , Jang Soon Lim

Development and Validation of the Community of Inquiry Program-Level Inventory , Carolyn Elaine Moen

Submissions from 2018 2018

In Covenant: A Grounded Theory Exploration of What Helps Evangelical Marriages Recover after Sexual Infidelity by the Husband , Theresa C. Allen

Validation of the Professional Quality of Life Model Among Correctional Officers , Tiffany Arrows

Religiosity, Moral Disapproval, Shame and Pornography Use: Assessing the Relationship Between Shame and Sexual Behaviors , Ryan Carboneau

Effectively Transporting a Spiritually Based Intervention for Reducing Subsyndromal Anxiety and Increasing Coping Skills in Urban Adolescents: A Multiple Baseline Design , Morais Cassell

Spiritually Oriented Cognitive Processing Therapy for Spiritual Struggle in Christian Sexual Assault Survivors with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder , Deborah Driggs

Examining the Role of Shame in Somatic Pain and Symptoms , Heather Fritch

Pornography Use: The Lesser of Two Evils for Religious Emerging Adults , Lea A. Garcia

Examining the Effect of Parental Attachment, Emotional Maturity, Spiritual Maturity, and View of Suffering on Sense of Coherence , Alyssa M. Gavulic

The Relationship Between Counselor Educators' Leadership Experience and Competence and Burnout , John Harrichand

Husbands' Experience of Being Trusted by Their Wives: A Heuristic Study , Paul Andrew Johns

When Professional and Personal Values Collide: A Thematic Analysis of Counseling Students' Developmental Journey through an Ethics Course , Patricia Kimball

The Effect of a Bible Based Manualized Protocol Targeting Attachment to God in Anxiety and Stress , Sung Kim

Religious Advisors' Mental Illness Stigma: Pentecostal Attributions , Krista Kirk

The Development and Validation of a Measure of Beliefs about Sex and Spirituality , Brittany Lashua

Problematic Sexual Beliefs and Behaviors in the Church: A Content Analysis of Faith-Based Curricula Related to Evidence-Based Interventions , Vicki Neill

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List Of 12 Unique Ideas For Your Dissertation On Counseling

Writing a dissertation on counseling is a brilliant idea, because it is not just about writing the paper. It is also about being in the shoes of the counsellor and the patient from time to time, and dishing out advice on things that take place every other day. Ideally this is a paper that anyone should be able to write with ease, so you should not really have a difficult time with it at all.

Choosing a good topic is a good thing, because it helps you stake your claim to the reader’s attention as early as possible, and this also makes it easier for you to score higher grades for the same reason. The following are some unique ideas that you can present for your paper in counselling, and it will also make things easier for you when your papers are being graded:

• Discuss how to establish a therapeutic counseling relationship
• Discuss any two theories that have been advanced so far, with respect to biblical consoling
• Explain the difference between spiritual discernment and vocational counseling
• Discuss why 12 step programs to counseling are not always applicable to all those who are looking for help
• Hypnosis has for a really long time been used as a means of treating patients. This is something that has over the years assisted a lot of patients. Discuss how it works
• Anger management is a major issue in the world today. Discuss how exposure to different stimuli is making kids grow up with a lot of anger issues, and propose measures that can be put in place to make sure that these issues are dealt with at the basic level
• Antidepressants are always used from time to time to help in dealing with a number of issues. Explain how these eventually become a part of the bigger problem
• Discuss the concept of logotherapy, and how it can be used to help certain patients
• Prisoner rehabilitation is an important part of getting back into society. Discuss the challenges that are faced by the patients
• Explain how play therapy can be used to help an individual
• What is career counseling and discuss how students can benefit from this over time, especially when it comes to choosing whether to get into formal employment, or going into business
• Explain how music therapy works

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Counseling & Human Services Theses & Dissertations

Theses and dissertations published by graduate students in the Department of Counseling and Human Services, College of Education, Old Dominion University, since Fall 2016 are available in this collection. Backfiles of all dissertations (and some theses) have also been added.

In late Fall 2023 or Spring 2024, all theses will be digitized and available here. In the meantime, consult the Library Catalog to find older items in print.

Theses/Dissertations from 2024 2024

Dissertation: The Lived Experiences of Counselors-in-Training Completing Practicum and Internship During COVID-19 , Shelby Lauren Dillingham

Dissertation: Climbing the Academic Ladder While Black: Exploring the Experiences of Institutional Belongingness for Black Counselor Education and Supervision Doctoral Students at Predominantly White Institutions , Jasmine Alicia Hawa Griffith

Dissertation: Understanding the Role of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Resilience in Police Officers , Wayne F. Handley

Thesis: The Experiences of Multilingual Learning-Focused School Counselors: A Phenomenological Investigation , Chelsea Jo Hilliard

Dissertation: Partners in Crisis: A Phenomenological Exploration of Collaboration Between Crisis Intervention Team Officers and Mental Health Professionals , Jessica L. Huffman

Dissertation: Exploring the Experiences of School Counselors Advocating for Social Justice Within Urban PK-12 Charter Schools , Betsy Marina Perez

Dissertation: Supervision Needs of Novice Behavioral Health Providers in Integrated Primary Care Settings: A Delphi Study , Nicholas D. Schmoyer

Dissertation: Wellness as a Predictor of Turnover Intention in the Active Duty Military , Thomas Clifford Seguin

Dissertation: Consensus on Best Practices in Neuroscience-Informed Treatment of Combat-Related Posttraumatic Stress in Military Veterans: A Delphi Study of Experts in the Field of Mental Health , Danielle Lauren Winters

Theses/Dissertations from 2023 2023

Dissertation: Providing Family Centered Care Within Pediatric Integrated Care Settings , Emily D. Bebber

Dissertation: The Lived Experiences of 911 Dispatchers With Compassion Fatigue: An Interpretive Phenomenology , Angela Johnson

Dissertation: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Self-Identified Politically Conservative Students in Graduate Counseling Programs in Public Universities , Elizabeth A. Orrison

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Dissertation: Mental Health Counselors’ Perceptions of Professional Identity as Correctional Counselors in an Integrated Behavioral Health Care Setting , Jeanel L. Franklin

Dissertation: Complex Thought for Complex Work: Preparing Cognitively Complex Counselors for Work in Diverse Settings , Alexandra C. Gantt

Dissertation: Trauma and Crisis Counselor Preparation: The Relationship of an Online Trauma and Crisis Course and Counseling Self-Efficacy , Julia Leigh Lancaster

Dissertation: An Investigation of Healthcare Professionals’ Perspectives on the Tasks of Mental Health Counselors in Hospital Settings , Suelle Micallef Marmara

Dissertation: Broaching Race and Race-Related Issues: Phenomenological Inquiry of Doctoral Student Supervisors of Counselor Trainees , Judith Wambui Preston

Dissertation: A Phenomenological Investigation of School Counselor Antiracist Social Justice Practices , Stephanie Deonca Smith-Durkin

Dissertation: Counselor Perceived Competence Diagnosing Disorders from DSM-5 Diagnostic Categories Survey Results and the Development and Validation of Scores on the Diagnostic Self-Efficacy Scale , Erin Elizabeth Woods

Dissertation: The Experiences of School Counselors Providing Virtual Services During Covid-19: A Phenomenological Investigation , Allison Kathryn Worth

Dissertation: A Comparison of Sorority Women and Non-Sorority Women’s Alcohol Use: Perception, Rate of Use, and Consequences , Betsy Zimmerman

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Dissertation: Effectiveness of College Counseling Interventions in International Student Adjustment to United States Higher Education Systems: A Meta-Analysis , Joshua Ebby Abraham

Dissertation: What Are We Missing?: A Comparison of Experiences of Race-Based Trauma by Black Americans and Black Jamaicans , Bianca R. Augustine

Dissertation: Site Supervisors' Perspectives on Supervision of Counselor Trainees in Integrated Behavioral Health (IBH) Settings: A Q Methodology Approach , Yeşim Giresunlu

Dissertation: The Impact of a Crisis Intervention Team Program on Psychiatric Boarding , Kurtis Hooks

Dissertation: A Case Study on the Application and Implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports for Students with Emotional Disabilities in Alternative Education , Kira Candelieri Marcari

Dissertation: Initial Development of the Escala de Fortaleza en Jóvenes para Padres , David Moran

Dissertation: Incivility of Coworker Behaviors and Minority Firefighters’ Belongingness in the Workplace , Alyssa Reiter

Dissertation: A Meta-Analysis of Three Years of Data on Outcomes of Therapy Groups for Inmates in the Virginia Department of Corrections , Abie Carroll Tremblay

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Dissertation: Improving Veterans’ Psychological Well-Being with a Positive Psychology Gratitude Exercise , Clara Im Adkins

Dissertation: An Examination of the Relationship Among Social Services Support, Race, Ethnicity and Recidivism in Justice Involved Mothers , Ne’Shaun Janay Borden

Dissertation: Development and Validation of the Students With Learning Disabilities School Counselor Self- Efficacy Scale: A Psychometric Study , Rawn Alfredo Boulden, Jr.

Dissertation: Minority Counselor Multicultural Competence in the Current Sociopolitical Climate , Kathleen Brown

Dissertation: A Meta-Analysis of Group Treatment Outcomes for Veterans with Substance Use Disorders , Robert “Tony” Dice

Dissertation: Investigating the Impact of the FAVA Well-Being Protocol on Perceived Stress and Psychological Well-Being With At-Promise High School Students , Renee L. Fensom

Dissertation: Mental Health Counselors' Perceptions on Preparedness in Integrated Behavioral Healthcare in Underserved Areas , Kyulee Park

Dissertation: Group Treatment Effectiveness for Substance Use Disorders: Abstinence vs. Harm Reduction , Jill D. Parramore

Dissertation: Best Practices in Clinical Supervision: What Must Supervisees Do? , Johana Rocha

Dissertation: A Phenomenological Investigation of Counselors’ Experiences With Clients Affected by Problematic Internet Pornography Use , Kendall R. Sparks

Dissertation: Counselor Education Doctoral Students’ Research Self-Efficacy: A Concept Mapping Approach , Zahide Sunal

Dissertation: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis of Psychoeducational Groups for the Treatment of Psychopathology Resulting from Child Sexual Abuse , Alexis Lynnette Wilkerson

Dissertation: School Counseling Professionals’ Experiences Using ASCA’s Mindsets & Behaviors for Student Success to Achieve College and Career Readiness , George Wilson

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Dissertation: Exploring the Lived Experiences of Career Oriented Military Spouses Pursuing Education for Career Advancement , Melody D. Agbisit

Dissertation: Reshaping Counselor Education: The Identification of Influential Factors on Multisystemic Therapy , T'Airra C. Belcher

Dissertation: An Investigation of Posttraumatic Growth Experienced By Parents After a Miscarriage , Barbara Elizabeth Powell Boyd

Dissertation: The Psychometric Properties of the School Counseling Internship Competency Scale , Melanie Ann Burgess

Dissertation: Intersectional Identities and Microaggressions: The Experience of Transgender Females , Cory Daniel Gerwe

Dissertation: Comparing Higher Order Value Differences By Religious and Spiritual Association and Implications for Counseling: An Exploratory Study , Gregory C. Lemich

Dissertation: The Effects of Supervisory Style and Supervisory Working Alliance on Supervisee Disclosure in Supervision: A Moderated Mediation Analysis , Chi Li

Dissertation: A Comparison of College Student-Athletes With Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Nonathletes With ADHD: Academic Adjustment, Severity of Mental Health Concerns, and Complexity of Life Concerns , Sonja Lund

Dissertation: An Experimental Study of Research Self-Efficacy In Master’s Students , Nicola Aelish Meade

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Dissertation: Multilevel Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Family Adjustment Measure with Lower-Income, Ethnic Minority Parents of Children with Disabilities , Vanessa Nicole Dominguez-O'Hare

Dissertation: Risk and Resiliency Factors Affecting the College Adjustment of Students with Intersectional Ethnocultural Minority and LGBTQ Identities , Stacey Christina Fernandes

Dissertation: The Relationship Between Childhood Adversity and Adult Relationship Health for Economically Marginalized, Racially and Ethnically Diverse Individuals , Sandy-Ann M. Griffith

Dissertation: An Exploration of Practicum Students' Experiences of Meaning-Making Through Altruism , Debra Paige Lewis

Dissertation: Addiction Counselors' Perceptions of Clinical Supervision Practices , Marla Harrison Newby

Dissertation: Exploring the Variant Experiences Through Which Racial/Ethnic Minorities Select Art Therapy as a Career , Mary Ritchie Roberts

Dissertation: Psychosocial Determinants of Medication Adherence among HIV-Positive Individuals in Mexico City , Anthony Vajda

Theses/Dissertations from 2017 2017

Dissertation: Cross-Racial Trust Factors: Exploring the Experiences of Blacks Who Have Had White Mentors in the Counseling Profession , Eric Montrece Brown

Dissertation: Personality, Motivation, and Internet Gaming Disorder: Understanding the Addiction , Kristy L. Carlisle

Dissertation: The Relationship Between Trauma Exposure and College Student Adjustment: Factors of Resilience as a Mediator , Amber Leih Jolley

Dissertation: Establishing the Psychometric Properties of the Understanding Mental Health Scale: A Dissertation Study , Michael Thomas Kalkbrenner

Dissertation: Attitudes and Actions that Adoptive Parents Perceive as Helpful in the Process of Raising Their Internationally Adopted Adolescent , Marina V. Kuzmina

Dissertation: Towards a New Profession: Counselor Professional Identity in Italy. A Delphi Study , Davide Mariotti

Dissertation: Exploring the Relationship Between Depression and Resilience in Survivors of Childhood Trauma , Marquis A. Norton

Dissertation: Understanding the Experiences of Women with Anorexia Nervosa Who Complete an Exposure Therapy Protocol in a Naturalistic Setting , Gina B. Polychronopoulos

Dissertation: An Exploratory Factor Analysis Examining Experiences and Perceptions of Campus Safety for International Students , Sonia H. Ramrakhiani

Dissertation: The Role of Self-Care and Hardiness in Moderating Burnout in Mental Health Counselors , Traci Danielle Richards

Theses/Dissertations from 2016 2016

Dissertation: Examining Changes in College Counseling Clients’ Symptomology and Severity over an Eight Year Span , Caroline Lee Bertolet

Dissertation: Initial Development and Validation of the Transgender Ally Identity Scale for Counselors , Jamie D. Bower

Dissertation: A Counselor’s First Encounter with Non-Death Loss: A Phenomenological Case Study on New Counselor Preparation and Experience in Working with Non-Death Loss , Charles P. Carrington

Dissertation: The Relationship Between Counselors' Multicultural Counseling Competence and Poverty Beliefs , Madeline Elizabeth Clark

Dissertation: Counselors’ Perceived Preparedness for Technology-Mediated Distance Counseling: A Phenomenological Examination , Daniel C. Holland

Theses/Dissertations from 2015 2015

Dissertation: Factors Associated with Family Counseling Practices: The Effects of Training, Experience, and Multicultural Counseling Competence , Amanda A. Brookshear

Dissertation: An Examination of Supervisory Working Alliance, Supervisee Demographics, and Delivery Methods in Synchronous Distance Supervision , Robert Milton Carlisle III

Dissertation: A Phenomenological Investigation of Counselors' Perceived Degree of Preparedness When Working with Suicidal Clients , Heather Danielle Dahl

Dissertation: African American Pastors and Their Perceptions of Professional School Counseling , Krystal L. Freeman

Dissertation: A Phenomenological Investigation of Wellness and Wellness Promotion in Counselor Education Programs , Brett Kyle Gleason

Dissertation: Examining Disordered Eating Amongst Sorority Women , Andrea Joy Kirk

Dissertation: Bhutanese Counselors' Experiences with Western Counseling: A Qualitative Study , Susan V. Lester

Dissertation: An Exploration of Health Providers' Responses to Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in Malaysia , Kee Pau

Dissertation: A Mixed Methods Study of the Intersection of Sexual Orientation and Spiritual Development in the College Experience , Kevin C. Snow

Theses/Dissertations from 2014 2014

Dissertation: Ethical and Legal Knowledge, Cognitive Complexity, and Moral Reasoning in Counseling Students , Matthew W. Bonner

Dissertation: A Grounded Theory of the College Experiences of African American Males in Black Greek-Letter Organizations , David Julius Ford Jr.

Dissertation: The Experiences of School Counselors with Court Involvement Related to Child Custody , Crystal E. Hatton

Dissertation: A Grounded Theory of Suicidality in Children Ten and Younger , Katherine Angela Heimsch

Dissertation: School Counseling Program Models Utilized By School Districts , Tracy L. Jackson

Dissertation: The Relationship Among Counseling Supervision Satisfaction, Counselor Self-Efficacy, Working Alliance and Multicultural factors , Jennifer Dawn Logan

Dissertation: Development of the Profession of Counseling in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania: A Grounded Theory Study , Mueni Joy Maweu Mwendwa

Dissertation: Resident Assistants' Self- Efficacy for Participation in Counseling Activities , Miranda Johnson Parries

Dissertation: Role Ambiguity of Counseling Supervisors , Aaron Gabriel Shames

Dissertation: Degree of Implementation of the American School Counselor Association National Model and School Counselor Burnout , Katrina Marie Steele

Dissertation: College Health and Mental Health Outcomes on Student Success , Daniel Joseph St. John

Dissertation: Supervisor Perceptions of Their Multicultural Training Needs for Working with English Language Learning Supervisees , Hsin-Ya Tang

Theses/Dissertations from 2013 2013

Dissertation: Experiences of Resident Assistants with Potentially Suicidal Students: Identification, Referral, and Expectations , Katherine M. Bender

Dissertation: Counselor Demographics, Client Aggression, Counselor Job Satisfaction, and Confidence in Coping in Residential Treatment Programs , Erik Braun

Dissertation: School Personnel Perceptions of Professional School Counselor Role and Function , Caron N. Coles

Dissertation: Factors That Influence Minority Student Enrollment at Various Levels of Postsecondary Education , LaShauna Mychal's Dean

Dissertation: Experiences and Perceptions of Mental Health Professionals Considered Effective in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Adults with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder , Bonita H. Erb

Dissertation: A Qualitative Study of the Experiences of Gatekeeping Among PhD Counselor Educators , Carol A. Erbes

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How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow

Published on 11 November 2022 by Shona McCombes and Tegan George.

Choosing your dissertation topic is the first step in making sure your research goes as smoothly as possible. When choosing a topic, it’s important to consider:

• Your institution and department’s requirements
• Your areas of knowledge and interest
• The scientific, social, or practical relevance
• The availability of data and resources
• The timeframe of your dissertation

You can follow these steps to begin narrowing down your ideas.

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Table of contents

Step 1: check the requirements, step 2: choose a broad field of research, step 3: look for books and articles, step 4: find a niche, step 5: consider the type of research, step 6: determine the relevance, step 7: make sure it’s plausible, step 8: get your topic approved, frequently asked questions.

The very first step is to check your program’s requirements. This determines the scope of what it is possible for you to research.

• Is there a minimum and maximum word count?
• When is the deadline?
• Should the research have an academic or a professional orientation?
• Are there any methodological conditions? Do you have to conduct fieldwork, or use specific types of sources?

Some programs have stricter requirements than others. You might be given nothing more than a word count and a deadline, or you might have a restricted list of topics and approaches to choose from. If in doubt about what is expected of you, always ask your supervisor or department coordinator.

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Start by thinking about your areas of interest within the subject you’re studying. Examples of broad ideas include:

• Twentieth-century literature
• Economic history
• Health policy

To get a more specific sense of the current state of research on your potential topic, skim through a few recent issues of the top journals in your field. Be sure to check out their most-cited articles in particular. For inspiration, you can also search Google Scholar , subject-specific databases , and your university library’s resources.

As you read, note down any specific ideas that interest you and make a shortlist of possible topics. If you’ve written other papers, such as a 3rd-year paper or a conference paper, consider how those topics can be broadened into a dissertation.

After doing some initial reading, it’s time to start narrowing down options for your potential topic. This can be a gradual process, and should get more and more specific as you go. For example, from the ideas above, you might narrow it down like this:

• Twentieth-century literature   Twentieth-century Irish literature   Post-war Irish poetry
• Economic history   European economic history   German labor union history
• Health policy   Reproductive health policy   Reproductive rights in South America

All of these topics are still broad enough that you’ll find a huge amount of books and articles about them. Try to find a specific niche where you can make your mark, such as: something not many people have researched yet, a question that’s still being debated, or a very current practical issue.

At this stage, make sure you have a few backup ideas – there’s still time to change your focus. If your topic doesn’t make it through the next few steps, you can try a different one. Later, you will narrow your focus down even more in your problem statement and research questions .

There are many different types of research , so at this stage, it’s a good idea to start thinking about what kind of approach you’ll take to your topic. Will you mainly focus on:

• Collecting original data (e.g., experimental or field research)?
• Analysing existing data (e.g., national statistics, public records, or archives)?
• Interpreting cultural objects (e.g., novels, films, or paintings)?
• Comparing scholarly approaches (e.g., theories, methods, or interpretations)?

Many dissertations will combine more than one of these. Sometimes the type of research is obvious: if your topic is post-war Irish poetry, you will probably mainly be interpreting poems. But in other cases, there are several possible approaches. If your topic is reproductive rights in South America, you could analyse public policy documents and media coverage, or you could gather original data through interviews and surveys .

You don’t have to finalise your research design and methods yet, but the type of research will influence which aspects of the topic it’s possible to address, so it’s wise to consider this as you narrow down your ideas.

It’s important that your topic is interesting to you, but you’ll also have to make sure it’s academically, sociallym or practically relevant to your field.

• Academic relevance means that the research can fill a gap in knowledge or contribute to a scholarly debate in your field.
• Social relevance means that the research can advance our understanding of society and inform social change.
• Practical relevance means that the research can be applied to solve concrete problems or improve real-life processes.

The easiest way to make sure your research is relevant is to choose a topic that is clearly connected to current issues or debates, either in society at large or in your academic discipline. The relevance must be clearly stated when you define your research problem .

Before you make a final decision on your topic, consider again the length of your dissertation, the timeframe in which you have to complete it, and the practicalities of conducting the research.

Will you have enough time to read all the most important academic literature on this topic? If there’s too much information to tackle, consider narrowing your focus even more.

Will you be able to find enough sources or gather enough data to fulfil the requirements of the dissertation? If you think you might struggle to find information, consider broadening or shifting your focus.

Do you have to go to a specific location to gather data on the topic? Make sure that you have enough funding and practical access.

Last but not least, will the topic hold your interest for the length of the research process? To stay motivated, it’s important to choose something you’re enthusiastic about!

Most programmes will require you to submit a brief description of your topic, called a research prospectus or proposal .

Remember, if you discover that your topic is not as strong as you thought it was, it’s usually acceptable to change your mind and switch focus early in the dissertation process. Just make sure you have enough time to start on a new topic, and always check with your supervisor or department.

Formulating a main research question can be a difficult task. Overall, your question should contribute to solving the problem that you have defined in your problem statement .

However, it should also fulfill criteria in three main areas:

• Researchability
• Feasibility and specificity
• Relevance and originality

All research questions should be:

• Focused on a single problem or issue
• Researchable using primary and/or secondary sources
• Feasible to answer within the timeframe and practical constraints
• Specific enough to answer thoroughly
• Complex enough to develop the answer over the space of a paper or thesis
• Relevant to your field of study and/or society more broadly

You can assess information and arguments critically by asking certain questions about the source. You can use the CRAAP test , focusing on the currency , relevance , authority , accuracy , and purpose of a source of information.

Ask questions such as:

• Who is the author? Are they an expert?
• Why did the author publish it? What is their motivation?
• How do they make their argument? Is it backed up by evidence?

A dissertation prospectus or proposal describes what or who you plan to research for your dissertation. It delves into why, when, where, and how you will do your research, as well as helps you choose a type of research to pursue. You should also determine whether you plan to pursue qualitative or quantitative methods and what your research design will look like.

It should outline all of the decisions you have taken about your project, from your dissertation topic to your hypotheses and research objectives , ready to be approved by your supervisor or committee.

Note that some departments require a defense component, where you present your prospectus to your committee orally.

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McCombes, S. & George, T. (2022, November 11). How to Choose a Dissertation Topic | 8 Steps to Follow. Scribbr. Retrieved 27 July 2024, from https://www.scribbr.co.uk/the-research-process/choosing-a-topic/

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APA format: Basic Guide for Researchers

The American Psychological Association (APA) is an official style format that is used by researchers and authors for academic and scientific writing. It is basically a standardized style guide used in psychology, education, and social science. It provides a framework for structuring research papers, presenting findings in a clear and concise manner and for accurately cite sources. The other commonly used style guides are the MLA and the Chicago style formats.  

How to write your research paper in APA format    

In the APA style, you need to adhere to specific formats and guidelines throughout the research paper. Some of these are explained below:  

The APA format allows different types of fonts. Some of the recommended ones include 12-point Times New Roman, 11-point Georgia, 11-point Calibri and 11-point Arial. The chosen font should be consistently used throughout the document. Figure images have to be in sans serif font with size between 8 and 14 points. Footnotes should be smaller than the text font and the line spacing will also be different.  

APA style provides for five levels of headings, each having its own format. Level 1 is the main heading, level 2 corresponds to the sub-heading of level 1, level 3 corresponds to the sub-heading of level 2 and so on. The headings should be double spaced and should not be numbered or lettered.  

Line spacing:

Generally, the APA format recommends double spacing throughout the text with few exceptions.  

A one inch margin is to be provided on each side of the paper. For dissertations and thesis, experts’ advice considering specific instructions provided by your institution.  

Paragraph alignment and indentation:

Text should be aligned to the left margin leaving the right margin uneven or “ragged”. The first line of each paragraph in the text should be indented 0.5 inches from the left margin.  

Under the APA format , there are also certain guidelines to be followed while preparing different sections of the research paper. These include –   

• Title page: All manuscripts must have a title page. The title should be concise, and must accurately reflect the contents of the paper. The author’s name and institutional affiliation should be centred, and positioned just below the title.  
• Abstract: A key part of academic manuscripts, an abstract must provide a brief summary of the research paper, including the purpose, methodology, results, and conclusions. It should be written within 250 words and should be the second page of your paper. The heading needs to be given as “Abstract” which is centred and bold. The text of the abstract should be written in a single paragraph, double spaced and must not be indented. Three to five keywords can be given one line below the abstract. These should not be italicized or bold but must be written in lower case. They should be separated by commas and there should not be any ending punctuation at the end of the keywords.  
• Introduction: The introduction is an essential part of scientific manuscripts and should be presented in an interesting and engaging manner. It should be able to convey clearly a critical overview of existing empirical knowledge and highlight knowledge gaps in the topic of study. Additionally, the aim of the research, a well formulated hypothesis, and a description of what you intend to address in the study must be clearly mentioned.  
• Methods: This is another critical part of an academic paper that requires researchers to describe the methods and procedures that were used during the study or experiment. Providing a detailed description contributes to ensuring the reproducibility and replicability of the study. The methods section should explain the research design that was adopted, details of the participants of the study, the equipment or materials used and the variables of the study.  
• Results: Here, researchers have to provide a brief summary of the results of their study. It is important that data is presented in a tabular format or in the form of graphs and figures to make it more interesting and to be easily understood by the reader. It is important to keep in mind that a clear narrative must accompany the statistics provided.  
• Discussion: Researchers must use the discussion section to provide their interpretation of the results of their research and explain its significance. Subsequently, it is in this section that they must present whether or not their results support their hypothesis.  
• References: Each and every source mentioned in a research paper must be referenced and accurately cited in this section.  

References and citations in APA format  

In the APA format, the author-date citation system is followed. Here, a brief in-text citation is provided in the text of your paper of a research paper. It can even appear in tables, figures, footnotes or appendix. Only the author and date of publication is provided here. The readers can refer to the corresponding entry in the reference list where the full citation is provided.   

While writing in-text citations, it is important to ensure that spelling of author names and publication dates are same in the in-text and reference list. The reference provides an alphabetical listing. Following are some examples of citations in APA format for different sources.  

• Books : The author surname with first and middle initials is written first. Only the title of the book is italicized. For eg.  
• Author Surname, A.B. (Publication Year). Title of the book . Publisher.  
• Journal article: Author surname, A.B. (Publication Year). Article Title: Subtitle. Journal title, Volume (issue), page range. URL or DOI.  
• Newspaper or magazine article : Surname. (Date of Publication). Title of the article. Title of the Newspaper or Magazine . URL.  

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How to budget: tips, tools, and techniques.

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• A budget can help you stay on top of expenses, pay off debts, and achieve your financial goals.
• There are several strategies for budgeting. Each has its own unique pros and cons.
• Checking in on your budget, adjusting it, and analyzing your spending habits regularly is critical.

A budget is, at its simplest, a plan for how you'll spend your earnings. It ensures you have the funds to cover your essentials — like housing, groceries, utilities, and your monthly debt payments — while also working toward other financial and savings goals .

In short: Budgets allow you to get the most out of your paycheck. Without one, there's a chance you could run out of money before your next pay date. 

How to budget your money 

Budgeting is critical if you want to stay on top of bills, pay off debts , or save for the future, and there are several ways to go about it. 

"Building a budget doesn't have to be overly complicated or time-consuming," says Brittany Castro, former in-house CFP  for Mint. "It's actually the first step in putting yourself in control of your finances because it means you know where your money goes each month."

How to plan a budget

Budgeting as a beginner can be daunting. Use these steps when making a personal finance budget for the first time: 

• Examine your income and expenses so that you can understand how much you're making, how much you're using, and if you're spending more than you're making
• Choose your approach to budgeting, such as the 50/30/20 rule or the envelope system, when determining how much to save each month
• Figure out where you can cut back on spending — and make strategies to help you stick to those cutbacks
• Automate your savings and investments so you can continue to make money off of your extra income without too much effort
• Find ways of tracking your budgeting process that work for you, such as using budgeting apps and/or creating a budgeting spreadsheet

To start budgeting, you first need a good pulse on your monthly income — more specifically, how much you take home each after taxes. If you're unsure what your net income (your income after taxes) looks like off the top of your head, you can typically use pay stubs or bank statements to get these numbers.

Once you have your income estimated, you'll also need to estimate your monthly expenses — things like your rent or mortgage, utility costs, groceries, insurance, and gas. If you have debts (like credit cards or personal loans ), add these in as well. Then compare the two numbers.

"If your expected expenses are greater than your expected income, you will need to earn additional income, cut out some purchases, go into debt, or do a combination of these three," says Todd Christensen, an accredited financial counselor and education manager at Money Fit. 

If your income outweighs your expenses, though, that means you have extra cash to put in savings, add to an emergency fund , or put toward other financial goals.

2. Choose your budgeting strategy 

The next step is to create your budget — a specific plan for how you'll use your earnings each month and eventually achieve your financial goals. 

There are several strategies for doing this, each with its own pros and cons. Here are a few of the options you might consider:

50/30/20 rule

According to Christensen, the 50/30/20 rule has become increasingly popular in the last 20 years. "It suggests you live on 50% of your income — housing, transportation, cell phone, utilities — enjoy 30% with dining out, recreation, or travel, and save and invest 20%."

The benefit here is that it's a simple, easy-to-learn approach, and it doesn't force you to account for every single purchase or expenditure. On the downside, it doesn't take into account your circumstances and may not work in every scenario. (If you live in a high-cost housing market, for example, adhering to that 50% rule may be unrealistic.)

70/20/10 rule

The 70/20/10 rule is similar to the 50/30/20 rule in that it has a loose budgeting structure. The categories for this budgeting strategy are: 70% goes to wants and needs, 20% goes toward savings and investments, and 10% goes toward debt payments or donations. 

Zero-balance or traditional budget

With a zero-balance budget, you're trying to get your income minus your expenses to equal zero. That means you use all your income each month — first, toward your essentials, and then, toward your wants and financial goals. Under this strategy, if you were to find yourself with an unspent $300 at the end of the month, you'd put that money in savings, make an extra loan payment, or make some other use of it.

The advantage of a zero-balance budget is that it accounts for every dollar, ensuring you make the absolute most of your earnings. The main drawback is that it's time-consuming. Tracking each expenditure and every dollar you earn can be tiresome. It's also difficult to use on unpredictable incomes (you never know how much you can allot for each expense). 

Pay yourself first budget

The pay yourself first strategy starts with your financial goals and works backward. So, say you know you want to put $500 toward your mortgage and $500 into savings each month. You'd start by subtracting that $1,000 from your monthly take-home pay (for example, $4,000 - $1,000), and then use that number ($3,000) for your monthly bills and expenses. 

This strategy's big perk is that it prioritizes your goals and allows flexibility in spending. On the downside, it may create stress if you leave yourself with too little to cover your monthly costs.

The envelope budget

The envelope system is a monthly budgeting method created by financial author Dave Ramsey. It requires putting cash into individual envelopes for each expense or category of expenses (e.g., housing, utilities, food, and entertainment). You then pull cash out of the envelopes as costs arise during the month. 

If you run out of money in an envelope, it's a sign you overspent or need to allot more to that category. If you have lots left over, you can adjust the budget for the next month and put those funds elsewhere.

The benefit of this method is that it's visual and tangible, making it easy to understand your budget and how you can improve it. Unfortunately, it's also time-consuming, and cash isn't always accepted — especially in today's digital economy.

3. Reduce spending 

While you go about creating a budget, it's important to fully analyze your expenses. You should ask yourself: Are those expenses necessary? If so, are there ways to reduce them or make them more affordable? This might mean renegotiating your pricing, switching service providers, or looking for coupons or special deals.

Here are some budgeting tips to cut down what you spend:

• Increase friction: Friction is when something like spending money becomes a little more difficult. An example of adding friction when spending would be removing your saved credit card information from your favorite site so that you have to manually re-add it in every time. This is a great way to make it harder for you to spend easily. 
• Wait before buying something: Set a 48-hour waiting rule for your purchases. If there's something you'd like to buy, sleep on it. If it still seems like a good idea in two days, then make the purchase. This helps you steer clear of unnecessary impulse buys.
• Audit your monthly subscription services: There are so many subscription services these days, and it's easy to lose track of just how much you're spending. Take a hard look at your subscriptions and consider cutting any you're not actively using. Look at streaming services, apps, subscription boxes, and even Subscribe and Save subscriptions on Amazon.
• Refinance any loans to get lower rates: You'll be surprised how much interest adds up on any loans you have. Refinancing your mortgage , car loan, and sometimes even your student loans could reduce your interest rate, monthly payment, or both, freeing up cash flow that you can put toward your budget for other, more important, expenses. Make sure to shop around with several lenders if you're considering this route.
• Meal plan: Planning your meals ahead of time helps you stay on track at the grocery store and avoid eating out in a pinch. You'll want a plan for every day of the week, including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks.

Cutting back even slightly could free up more cash for paying down debts, achieving your financial goals, or just reducing overall financial stress. 

No matter which budgeting method you choose, it's important to make saving a part of your plan. Typically, the best option is an automated deposit into your savings account, as this reduces hassle and keeps your goals on track. To maximize your savings, you might consider a high-yield savings account , which earns money at a higher rate than other options. 

Once you've automated your savings, you can also think about investing any income you might have left over. If this is something you're interested in, consider talking to a certified financial planner before diving in. They can help you choose the best investments for your goals.

5. Track your progress 

Budgets are ever-evolving tools, and you'll need to track your progress, adjust, and recalibrate often — especially in the beginning. You'll also need to adjust your spending habits as you go.

"The key is to identify your spending trends and ensure they match up with your spending priorities," Christensen says. "If you're spending $50 a week on soft drinks, but you would rather prioritize the purchase of a new gaming console, then it's time to change your soft-drink purchasing behavior."

Though you can certainly manually check in on your budget, Christensen recommends using a budgeting app that connects to your bank account, as these can streamline the process. For example, Rocket Money is an app that helps you create a budget, negotiate your bills, and reduce your spending — and it has a free plan.

Some budgeting apps offer credit monitoring services , as well. Consider tracking your credit score and credit card use when you're tracking your budget to better understand all of your financial needs.

You can also create an expense tracking spreadsheet in Excel, ask for receipts for every purchase, and total them up at the end of each week or month.

How to budget on a low income 

If you're struggling financially, budgeting is particularly important. As Lisa Fischer, chief growth and lending officer at Mission Lane , explains, "Keeping a close eye on spending is crucial for all consumers, but especially those who may be living paycheck to paycheck."

Not only can budgeting help you monitor your spending habits and stay on track with bills and expenses, but it can also ensure you prioritize saving, which should improve your financial outlook down the line.

In addition to budgeting, you can consider applying for rental or housing payment assistance, food pantries, and health care sharing plans to reduce your costs. Financial, debt, or credit counseling might be helpful as well. If this is something you're interested in, the nonprofit National Foundation for Credit Counseling is a good place to start.

If you want to make the most of your income while also achieving your long-term financial goals, having a budget is crucial. As Castro explains, "You need a solid budget and financial plan in order to set yourself up for long-term financial wellness, avoid running into problems such as racking up credit card debt, and build your net worth over time."

There are many ways to go about budgeting, and you may need to try a few before you find the right fit. You can also speak to a financial advisor for help choosing the best budgeting route for your household.

How to budget: FAQs

The best way to start a budget is to figure out how much you're making and compare it to what you're spending. Then you can figure out what budgeting method you want to use.

Cash stuffing is a budgeting technique that involves assigning monthly spending and saving categories to different envelopes. Then you put the amount of money you want to spend on those categories into the envelopes.

The 50/30/20 rule is a budgeting technique in which you assign 50% of your income to living expenses (such as rent and utilities), 30% of your income to non-necessary expenses (such as concerts or travel), and 20% to savings and investments.

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