Factors Affecting the Selection of Research Topic in Pakistan: A Case of Private Sector Universities

Abstract

This study aims to identify methods of selecting a topic while planning a research project. The students who are in the final years of research degree usually study a full course on research methodology. However, still, they feel that the selection of a research topic is not an easy task. To achieve this, targeted survey was carried out. The sample was selected by using convenient sampling technique from a total population of 1000 (approximately) students researching masters and doctoral degree levels from university of Management and Technology, Lahore. In total, one hundred students took part in the study. A self-developed instrument was used to collect data. The results indicate that there is a diversity of factors that influence students while selecting a research topic; more profound of which include personal experience and supervisor's area of expertise. The mean difference on the basis of gender was also found in factors of personal experience and availability of data. There was no difference on the basis of the level of study among students of master's and doctoral degree level. The future research studies can also combine the results of this study with other demographic variables, thus providing detailed information on factors that play a role in selecting a research topic.