The importance of knowing what is good title in academic writing cannot be overestimated. Expert researchers who have spent years writing academic papers read through several journals and articles to find the perfect topic. They spend hours, weeks, and even months reading articles relevant to their field. The goal is to conduct research that will reach a broad audience and get more citations.
Knowing the right topic for your research paper is the first thing before you start writing. The topic should capture your reader's attention as it will decide whether they will eventually read the article. In this article, we've highlighted seven important tips on
The first tip on how to title your research paper is that your topic must convey the key research findings. That is why it is essential to know and list out what your study is about, the methodology you used, and your discoveries. Then, identify at least one key element that makes your study significant to your subject area. With these elements, you can carve out a great research title that accurately and effectively showcases your paper.
As you choose your title, consider your audience; a good research title must interest your reader. Researchers only need a few seconds to read a paper's title and evaluate its message and relevance. That is why creating a catchy title is essential in sparking curiosity in your audiences, prompting them to read the paper. An excellent example of title in research is carved to make readers want to know what the paper is about.
You may be tempted to make unsubstantiated claims in your research paper title to get readers' attention and more citations. However, you don't want to do that so you don't create mistrust about the research and likely damage your reputation. It would be best if you chose titles with claims you can back up with substantive, factual evidence.
Choose more informative topics, like declarative titles; they give readers a quick grasp of the article's content. Declarative titles have a higher chance of attracting readers' attention and impacting them more. Also, most professional editors agree that research papers with declarative titles reach a wider audience as they are more likely to be shared.
Keep your title simple and refrain from using technical words, especially if your readers will likely not be familiar with these words. Technical words may work if your primary audience is other researchers in the same field as you. Avoid technical jargon in your title to avoid readers skipping your article and career researchers giving your paper a pass. When it comes to knowing how to make a good research title, less is always more.
Include keywords in your title to make it more discoverable online, especially if you intend to publish it. Most researchers use search engines and online databases to find the proper keyword research. Thus, you want to identify and use the best keywords for your research topic or title. Your title should contain keywords that will make it easily discoverable for reading.
Don't use full sentences in your title; avoid including details that will make the title unnecessarily lengthy. If rephrasing the title to make it leaner, ensure you use the right syntax. While your title isn't giving off too much, it should concisely summarize the paper's content.
One question you want to ask as you brainstorm for a research paper title is: can titles be questions? Research titles can come in the form of questions; carving out questions during your research makes it even easier to choose a topic.