Formulating a Viable and Interesting Paper Topic/Thesis: The Evolution of a Recent Research Project

Abstract

It is often said that the biggest challenge in producing publishable articles is in the initial formulation of the paper topic/thesis – in particular, developing a paper topic/thesis that is viable (i.e., can be completed within a reasonable timeframe and with manageable efforts) and interesting (i.e., sufficiently appealing to journals and other academics). Through interactively examining the actual evolution of a recent research project on weather modification regulations, this presentation highlights the major pitfalls and common mistakes in the formulation of paper topic/thesis, and further discusses good scholarly practices that can enhance one’s ability in this otherwise elusive aspect of being a legal scholar.