Responding: Choosing a Topic

For this blog post, I will be reviewing the section “Choosing a Topic Through Basic Research” from the Bedford Book of Genres.

A specific section I would like to review is the third section: Commit to a Single Viable Topic. Personally, I have always struggled with determining my topic and then sticking with it. I second guess my original decision, asking “Does this answer the prompt?” “Does my research support my topic?” This particular section gave me great advise on how to combat these thoughts. The section begins discussing the questions- “Are you topic compatible with your assignment? And can you make a strong argument about it?” and continues detailing the thought process of deciding your topic. My main take away was that it might be in your favor to veer away from controversial hot topics and dig for the less obvious. Continuing with the next posed question- “Do you like your topic enough to stick with it?” How much you will be able to invest in your topic choice is critical because you will be spending an extensive length of time on the research paper. The next subquestion “What is your deadline, and how will it affect your plans for research?” reminds readers that while you may love a topic enough to stick with it, you need to narrow down. Finally, the last question posed “Will you find appropriate sources for your topic?” Research is the meat of your research paper. If there is a lack of published research available, it would be best to reconsider your topic. Even shifting the aspects of your detailed question could lead to more research options.

I summary, “Choosing a Topic Though Basic Research” provides students with detailed suggestions on where to start their research papers. With the main focus being on balance between a successful academic paper and the student's interests. In my opinion, the best way to settle on a topic is the “Topic Mind Map.” Specifically for our paper on communities, the mind map begins with a broader topic and the flow of the plan can lead you to a more focused question. As well as narrowing down your question, an idea may present itself out of the map that you didn't consider initially. For research to be successful, you cannot be too familiar with how to answer your question.

I have decided to focus on the theatre community and more specifically the trained theatre community in relation to Stanislavski. And as of right now I am moving forward with my research question being, “How is Stanislavski’s method impacting pre-professional acting today?”.