Nail Your PhD Research Topic in 5 Steps

Stuck on “I have no idea what to research”? You’re not alone. Choosing a topic is one of the biggest (and most overwhelming) decisions in your dissertation or research project.

This step-by-step workbook takes you from a messy list of ideas to a clear, specific, researchable topic that’s actually yours.

What’s inside:

• Step 1: Brainstorm. Get every idea out of your head, with prompts to spark ideas and a worksheet to write them in.
• Step 2: Score your ideas. Rate your favorites on interest, relevance, and feasibility with a ready-made score card.
• Step 3: Narrow it down. Check the literature for themes and gaps using idea cards, plus a page to keep your source links.
• Step 4: Make it specific. Sharpen your topic with the 5 W’s (Who, What, Where, When, Why). Includes a full worked example.
• Step 5: Finalize and back it up. Write your final topic, justify it, and draft your research question.
• Final Checks: a 16-point checklist so you know your topic is clear, feasible, and ready to go.

You get TWO versions:

• Printable PDF: print it and write by hand, or annotate it on your iPad with apps like GoodNotes or Notability.
• Fillable PDF: type straight into every worksheet box and tick the checklists on your laptop or computer. Open it in the PDF reader you already have, such as Adobe Acrobat Reader (free) or Preview on a Mac, then save your answers and come back anytime.

Perfect for:

• Undergraduate, Master’s, and PhD students choosing a dissertation or thesis topic
• Anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or going in circles with their ideas
• Students who want a clear, structured process instead of guesswork

Instant digital download: 2 PDF files (19 pages each).