Dr. Steve Tippins tells doctoral students that committees need more than an interesting topic: they want a map showing where your study fits in existing research. Narrow your focus through literature review until you find the gap where prior research ends. That's your viable research niche.
Most doctoral students find a topic they like and hope that it counts. They're shocked when the committee says this won't work. Going straight to "I think this is interesting" is the fastest way to get something rejected. Committees don't want a destination, they want to see your map. Your program probably didn't teach you this process. It starts with narrowing your focus until the literature literally runs out. Example is school lunches and test scores. Done in high schools? Yes. Done in suburban high schools? Yes. Where the yes stops is where your research lives. You aren't guessing, you are mapping what exists until you find what doesn't. Comment "help" and we will send you the link to our free dissertation help community. You've got this!
