03/08/2026
A research topic can sound interesting and still be difficult or impossible to carry out.
Before you commit to yours, ask:
Who exactly are you studying?
“Students” or “workers” may be too broad. Which students? Which workers? In what institution, organisation or location?
What exactly are you measuring?
Words such as “impact” and “effect” are incomplete unless you clearly identify what is being affected and how it will be measured.
Can you realistically access the data?
Consider whether you can reach the participants, obtain permission, access the records and complete the study within the available time.
Compare these two topics:
Broad topic: The impact of social media on students in Nigeria.
More researchable topic: The relationship between daily Instagram use and study time among final-year undergraduates in one Nigerian university.
Narrowing a topic does not make it weaker. It makes the study clearer, more focused and easier to complete properly.
Save this before choosing or revising your topic.
