Identifying a Thesis Topic and Research Question
- Review tips on “How to Write a Research Question” from the George Mason University Writing Center.
- Begin writing down possible topics and questions by the end of your first semester in the PPA program (consider keeping a smartphone notes file for easy access).
- Practice refining a topic idea by structuring it in the following way:
Feature |
Example |
Issue or Phenomenon |
Public stakeholder engagement in transportation planning initiatives |
Perspective |
Transportation managers' use of stakeholder engagement efforts to reduce complaints about new construction |
Context or Case |
To what extent do urban transportation initiatives with targeted stakeholder engagement practices influence the number and content of public complaints about new construction? |
4. Finally, assess your proposed thesis topic or question to see if it is:
- Relevant to your professional interests and/or employment
- Something you will be able to answer effectively with data that is already accessible or reasonably easy to access (check on possible sources)
- Aligned with your skills and interests
- Aligned with the skills and interests of a potential faculty advisor
- Likely to generate social value/impact or information to support future research
- Answerable within a reasonable (4-6 month) timeframe