How to Pick a Good Thesis Problem

What are the characteristics of the project?

• Is it a significant problem?
• Is it original?
• Does it push the envelope of science somewhere?
  
• Will it be of interest to others?
• Will it make a ‘good story’?
• Does it involve quantitative data analysis?
  
• Might you be able to publish your research?

Is it well suited for you?

• Is it personally interesting?
  • You need to find the topic sufficiently interesting that your enthusiasm will not lag throughout a year long effort
• Are you qualified to do this project?
  • Are you sufficiently knowledgeable on the overall topic that you will be able to fully understand the project?
  • Do you have, or will you be able to learn any special skills required to carry it out?

Is it doable?

• Are there sufficient data available or that can be gathered by you within your means and timeframe?
• Do you have available the necessary facilities and ability to carry out the necessary analysis of the data?

What about your research mentor?

• Does your mentor have an academic background? (A PhD is usually required)
• Has your mentor worked with undergraduate students before? If not - please discuss in a lot of detail what expectations you have of each other (see letter to mentors on this website).
  
• Will your mentor be reachable throughout the duration of the project?
  

If your project is part of a larger research effort…

• Do you know how your project fits into the larger effort?
• Do you know (is it clear) what you are responsible for doing, vs. what you will be getting from others?
• If there are going to be any collaborative publications, will you be able to be involved?