Introduction > Getting Started in Science > If You're Having Problems

If You're Having Problems If you’re having difficultly choosing a research topic or question, here are a few ideas to get you started. What motivates you? Think about what interests you and how you prefer to work. You might, for example, really enjoy working out in the field and therefore prefer not to work in a laboratory environment. Similarly you may relish the opportunity to work in a laboratory and may not be too keen on fieldwork. Knowing how and where you prefer to work can inform your choice of research topic. Podcast Emma Surman, a final year BSc Agriculture student, discusses how she chose the research topic and question for her final year project based on her existing interests What subjects do you enjoy studying? We all have our favourite and not-so-favourite subjects. Of the subjects that you did enjoy, are there any particular areas that you want to learn more about? Why not go back and read through your lecture notes and textbooks to see if you have any flashes of inspiration. If you know what research topic you're interested in, you might get some inspiration for your research question by searching science databases, such as CAB Abstracts or the Web of Science (generally available free of charge through your library) - enter your research topic eg “animal conservation” and you will quickly and easily generate a list of peer-reviewed scientific papers that have involved animals and conservation. This will give you ideas into what research has already been done and what can be done. What research is going on in your department? Within your department there will be lecturers, researchers, technicians and postgraduate students, all of whom are likely to be actively involved in various forms of research. Why not find out more about the research they do - often you will find posters around your department which explain research areas, or you could look on your Department's web site for more information. If you’re interested in something that’s on-going you could then go and talk with the staff involved and they may be able to give you some advice. Do you have a career preference? You might already know the type of career you’d like to pursue once you’ve graduated, or what company/type of company you’d like to work for. For example, if you’d like to work for a pharmaceutical company, it may be beneficial to undertake research in this area if the opportunity arises. Be aware that it may not always be possible to tailor your research question to your career choice, but undertaking a project that will develop the kinds of skills required could be a useful compromise. Your research may put you in contact with potential employers and therefore be a stepping stone to your ideal job. Podcast Dr Glynn Percival, Director of Research at the R. A. Bartlett Tree Research Laboratory, discusses the advantages of gaining research experience Extra Help If you're still struggling to identify a research topic or question, have a look at this help sheet

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