Kinds of Topics to Avoid in Research Papers

“Can research papers have opinions?” We often hear this question many times, and the answer is definitely yes. A writer can voice their opinions in their research paper, but these opinions must be backed up with facts. However, your opinions should not be controversial and biased.

If you are considering writing a research paper, you will probably want to avoid some topics. These topics to avoid in research papers fall under three categories: topics you may not completely understand, topics you may not like, and topics that are considered controversial.

In this article, you will be provided with a guide on steps to take when choosing a topic, and a list of bad research topics to avoid.

Bad topics for a research paper

When it comes to writing, you should stay away from controversial topics for research papers. You will feel less stressed and more confident when you avoid this type of topic.

The problem with using a controversial topic is that there may not be a result when your research paper is published or presented. This can lead to arguments between individuals who disagree with themselves over issues regarding their beliefs and opinions on certain subjects.

Below are various topic themes you do not research:

  • Politics
  • Religion
  • Science vs pseudoscience
  • Economics vs socialism
  • Religion
  • Same-sex marriage
  • Abortion
  • Gun control
  • Capital punishment
  • Race
  • Your personal life
  • Topics that have no factual support
  • Topics with unreliable sources
  • Insignificant topics that do not bring awareness to any past, present, or future issue.

How to choose topics for a research paper

Before starting your research, you should know what topics to avoid. To do this, you must learn how to choose a topic. Below are tips to help you select the right topic.

  • Avoid choosing a broad topic

One thing to remember is that if you select a topic that is too broad, it will be difficult for you to narrow down and focus on just one aspect of the subject theme. For instance, if your subject is “the history of music,” then there are different types of music throughout history—from classical to jazz—and they all require their unique research and writing styles. If possible, try picking one specific type of music (e.g., classical) as well as one specific period in time (e.g., the 1920s).

  • Choose a topic you comprehend

A great research paper will be well organized and structurally sound. It is important that you write your paper in a simplified tone that makes sense and helps the reader follow along with what you are saying. The more difficult it is for you to understand your subject, the more likely it is for you to confuse your readers.

  • Choose a topic that has tons of available research materials

You need to ensure that you have enough information for your research paper. This can be a difficult task because the more sources of information on a topic, the more difficult it becomes to find an interesting angle or point of view.

The key here is checking your sources carefully and making sure they are credible ones before you start writing.

Where to find good research topics?

The internet is a great place to start when looking for good research paper topics. It is the space where you can seek information about anything and everything, including articles about research papers. Just type in whatever word(s) you want people to associate with when reading about the particular subject matter; for instance- “school lunch” or “math test”. You will find tons of websites out there offering free advice on how best to go about writing such essays/reports etc.

You can also use books, magazines, newspapers, and your peers as sources of ideas for your paper. Your teachers are also an excellent source of information because they may have taught similar classes or subjects that would help make your topic more interesting and relevant to others who read it later on in life.

Conclusion

The most efficient way to write a research paper is to research the topic thoroughly before writing it. If you have any concerns about choosing the right topic, talk with a professor or another person who has done work on that particular subject. They can help you decide which topics will fit into your paper and give some tips on how to approach them if they do not seem appropriate for your needs at first glance.