Before making up your mind, read several dissertations on related subjects to get familiar with different ideas and individual research styles. You will find your own style while writing the paper, but starting with a diverse outlook will be of great use to you.
Choose a topic that YOU are passionate about. Make sure to search for a topic that interests you. Follow your professor’s advice, but make your own choices. After all, you are on your way to becoming a ”doctor” and an independent researcher. You will have to work on this subject for at least 3 or 4 years, so you should make sure you like it.
Investigate old ideas you might have come across during your Master’s studies. Check out old resources you might have used for previous research during your graduate years.
Rather than looking for one perfect idea, it is better to consider several ideas. In the initial stages, you should be open to the craziest notions. Just start with one and consider multiple variations.
Before deciding and starting working on the research topic, you should spend some time in advance to find out if what seems like a good idea is the right one. Make sure nobody else has already completed similar research.
Keep your topic to the point. Most Ph.D. students appear to start their PhDs with over-ambitious projects. The key is to ensure that the big topic can be resumed into one central research question.
Through testing, you can be sure that your main research question will change form. Be as flexible as you can. Every good researcher should be open and adapt to new evidence. The point of your thesis is to find the answers, even if they are uncomfortable.
Seek advice from experts BEFORE deciding on your doctoral dissertation. This is also part of testing and investigating your ideas in advance. Accept problematic questions, as they offer a general outlook on your work. Therefore, regular contact with your PhD advisor is very valuable for your success.
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