Choosing the Right Dissertation Topic is Like Dating

by JoAnn Foley Markette, Ed.D.

We've all been on great first dates only to be disappointed--or worse, ghosted--a few weeks or months later. Similarly, some potential dissertation topics have a sexy and alluring appeal, but they aren't what we want to take home to mom, or in this case, our chair.

We must choose our dissertation topic wisely: Choose a topic that will stand the test of time, a topic which we will continue to love passionately and to which we will commit ourselves when the struggle becomes real: Think endless hours of revisions and research when we start to wonder Is it worth it?

Pay attention to the feedback from your friends, family, and others who care about you.

• Can they see you with this topic long-term? In other words, do they see compatibility--similarity of background and interests--between you and this potential dissertation topic?

• Does this potential dissertation topic have the ability to provide a mutual give-and-take relationship? For example, can it likely provide benefits to you now and in the future to the same degree that you are investing yourself today? Think job improvement.

• Are you both in the right time and place for this relationship? Is it feasible to make it work?

• Most importantly, does this potential dissertation topic make you happy? Do you feel energized after spending time with it, or is it an energy vampire?

Remember that our final choice will become part of our professional identity, so we want it to match our life goals and dreams.

Here's a video that those in your life will want you to consider as you make this momentous decision:

APA citation:

Markette, N. & Markette., J. [Dr. Markette]. (2021, June 11). How to Choose a Dissertation Topic || Ask THESE 4 Questions. [Video]. YouTube. https://youtu.be/7doEvQCFem0

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