Developing a well-defined research topic is a crucial step in the research process. One effective way to start is by brainstorming topic keywords from popular sources such as magazines and blogs.
This video shows how mind mapping helps you turn a broad topic into a good research question.
Generative AI tools can also help you create a mind map (more to know)
GitMind is a web-based diagramming application that enables you to create a range of diagrams, including mind maps and flowcharts. With its AI-powered mind-mapping feature, GitMind can help you generate and visualize ideas. Below are the steps:
Remember that the information you find on Generative AI might not always be reliable, so you should check & cross-check the results.
Analyze your research topic. In this example, we are writing a blog post about natural disasters. It's important to consider the different issues and aspects you want to focus on.
By answering the 5W questions - What, Who, When, Where, and Why - you can define the scope of your blog post and ensure that it covers the most relevant and engaging information for your readers. This approach will guide you in selecting the specific angle or focus of your natural disaster blog post, whether it's addressing the causes, the impact, the prevention strategies, the response efforts, or any other relevant aspect of this important topic.
You may apply the 5W questions to narrow down your broad topic:
Who are the people or groups involved in
What specific aspect of the topic do you want to explore
When did the event happen
Where is the geographic location related to your topic
Why explore this topic and its importance
Here's an example to illustrate the process:
Broad Topic: Natural Disasters
Possible Research Topics: Impacts of Hurricanes Maria on wildlife in Puerto Rico
