ZEROING IN ON A RESEARCH TOPIC : Resources and Strategies in Searching, Selecting, & Narrowing Down

From kindergarten to undergraduate, we are only taught to be consumers of knowledge that others have discovered. So, I found it very tough when professors suddenly expected us to become knowledge producers (researchers) without guidance. I was facing this difficulty while choosing a topic for my master’s research project. Most books that professors suggested outlined how to create a research design, research methods and so on. But I was finding the very first step of coming up with a research topic difficult. That is when I found Dr. Suman Mundkur’s book.I recommend this book to anyone doing academic research for the first time. Firstly, the author - who is an experienced faculty member - is candid about her own struggles for finding a research topic, which is very reassuring to a young researcher. Secondly, the author builds confidence in the reader by dispelling common myths such as only people with very high IQ can pursue research. The Indian education system segregates students into Arts, Science and Commerce but the author dispels the common myth that one can only be right-brained or left-brained: she encourages students to embrace their multifaceted personality to pursue research. Thirdly, Chapter 4 is very strong on resources that one can use when first dipping one’s toes into the research world. Several resources that the author provides will be very useful even to experienced researchers.One thing I would have liked to see is an example or a case of how a research topic was finalized by a hypothetical student from start to finish, in order to illustrate the concepts introduced in the book. Or perhaps, the author could provide examples from her own or her students’ research work.But, overall, this is a good book on how to find a topic for a research project, be it for an undergraduate course, master’s degree or for writing a PhD proposal.

It is a great book for those who are trying to finalise a topic for any type of research, be it classroom project or even trying to finalize PhD topic. The book has explained the process of how to narrow down to a particular topic. Will surely recommend it for beginners.

Book has good information. Some information were repeated and lacked structure and flow. But overall good book for beginner research students.

This book by Dr. Suman Mundkur fills an immediate need in India because :1. There is a shift in the education system towards project based and self learning instead of the earlier memory based learning2. Compared to developed countries the number of research papers published from India are miniscule3. Selecting the topic for research seems so daunting to some of the aspirants of Doctoral studies that they take unduly long time and some even give up their aspirations.It is said that ' well begun is half done'. That is where Dr Mundkur's book will be of immense help to aspirants because she has given clear cut methodology for deciding the topic for research. She has listed the factors to be considered while selecting the topic such as time frame, feasability in monetary terms, the intrinsic value the researcher will get, benefit- will it make a difference in the life of others, confidence and self esteem of the researcher, motive for research- whether for patent or starting of an enterprise and so onIn chapter 4 she has mentioned numerous sources to find the status of research on any topic. In chapter 5 she has explained the methodology for deciding the topic such as brain storming, taking help of the Mentor, testing by writing a blog for publishing in social media.With the increasing emphasis on project based learning this book will be useful not only to those who are pursuing doctoral studies ( PhD) but also to post graduates, undergraduates and even to parents of students in school

I am really appreciative of the work done by Dr. Suman Mundkur, the author of this particular book. This book gives us logical answers to the questions which most of us struggle to find as research students. We are usually unable to zero in on a specific research topic, but what is remarkable about this book is that the author is aware of our most common confusions and realises what causes these confusions for researchers. She gives us a step-by-step process for research topic selection. As a reference book, it is not a very extensive explanation of the research elements. In fact, it stresses on strategies in searching and selecting research topics in ways that are practical for new researchers. Finally, I would like to conclude that this book is a must read by high school, college and doctoral students alike .

The subject itself and the cover design attracted me instantaneously to this book. As I started reading word by word sentence by sentence and page by page I was filled with admiration for the author who has been so kind and benevolent in sharing her experience and expertise in research. I particularly liked the step by step guide, information on resources and the piece on consideration in choosing a research topic. I am sure this book will help not only beginners in research but also people like me who are interested in lifelong learning as well as people who want to learn about looking at anything and everything in life in a scientific and systematic manner. Thanks to Amazon Kindle and the author for sharing this Guide for the benefit of Humanity.

Thid book by Dr Suman Mundkur is a very concisely written book for every individual who want to inculcate tips on writing a research article. By giving very relevant points from choosing a topic, to writing the review of literature, this book ignites a scholar to choose a relevant topic before delving into the research. Relevant sites from where the scholar can get research articles, papers and books has been nicely illustrated. The importance and procedure of review of literature gives the gist of the book. As a journalist, I highly recommend this book for every student, research scholar before taking the first step into the big world of research.

This book is a really good resource for anyone that is planning to get into research. It is very inspiring and the personal anecdotes make it a very interesting read. What I really liked is that it is an easy read and I was able to finish reading it over a single weekend. There is limited information and books available on this subject despite its importance and this book fills that gap. The content is useful not only as a good first time read but also as something that can be referenced multiple times in the future.