The Insight Corner Hub: Anatomy of a Research Topic

A well-constructed research topic is like a carefully assembled blueprint. It clearly defines what will be studied, who will be involved, where and when the study will occur, and why it is important. The anatomy of a research topic typically includes the following components:

1. Population / Study Subject (Who?)

The specific group or entities being studied.
Examples: Adults aged 45-85, nurses in Kigali, patients with hypertension.

2. Phenomenon / Issue / Variable of Interest (What?)

The main focus or subject of investigation—could be a disease, behavior, process, or event.
Examples: Prevalence of diabetes, medication adherence, impact of social media.

3. Setting / Location (Where?)

The physical or geographical place where the study is conducted.
Examples: Gisenyi District Hospital, urban schools in Rwanda, rural communities.

4. Time Frame (When?)

The period during which the study is carried out or the data is relevant.
Examples: January to December 2024, retrospective data from 2015-2020.

5. Purpose / Rationale (Why?)

The reason or justification for the study often linked to filling a knowledge gap, solving a problem, or informing policy.
Example: To determine risk factors to inform prevention strategies.

6. Scope / Delimitations (How Broad?)

Defines the boundaries or limits of the study what is included and excluded.
Examples: Cross-sectional survey, excludes children under 18, focuses on outpatient settings.

7. Research Design / Approach (How?) (optional but important)

The methodological angle or study type planned to answer the research question.
Examples: Qualitative case study, quantitative cross-sectional survey, mixed-methods.

Putting it all together: Example

Research Topic:
"Prevalence and risk factors of Hepatitis C virus infection among adults aged 45–85 attending Gisenyi District Hospital, Rwanda, between January and December 2024: A cross-sectional study."

• Population: Adults aged 45–85
• Phenomenon: Hepatitis C virus infection prevalence and risk factors
• Setting: Gisenyi District Hospital, Rwanda
• Time Frame: January–December 2024
• Purpose: To determine prevalence and identify associated risk factors
• Scope: Cross-sectional study, limited to outpatient attendees
• Design: Quantitative cross-sectional survey