The importance of demarcation in your thesis

Why demarcation is important

Demarcation is important because:

• Defining your topic helps you to focus on one specific aspect during your research, even though it is part of a broader problem. Focusing, therefore, means making choices so that you do not get lost in a jungle of information. Instead, you can concentrate on relevant aspects that contribute to your research.
• By doing so, you make the research manageable for yourself, allowing you to actually carry it out within the available time and resources.
• A well-defined topic ensures that your research remains relevant to your field. By focusing on specific aspects, you can delve deeper into the subject and thus make a valuable contribution to existing knowledge.

How to define the subject

Below are some tips to help you narrow down your topic:

• Start by identifying the research area you are interested in. Then, decide on the specific aspect of this area that you want to investigate.
• Formulate clear research goals and the questions you want to answer. These goals should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART).
• Determine your research population and sample to help narrow down the scope of your study and obtain reliable results.
• Be clear about what is and what is not included in the scope of your research. This may involve setting limitations, such as time, location, participants, or theoretical approaches.

Tips for effective demarcation

Below are a number of tips for effective demarcation:

• The more specific your definition, the more focused your research will be. Avoid topics that are overly broad and instead, concentrate on a precisely defined problem or question.
• Discuss your boundaries with your thesis supervisor to receive feedback and avoid any potential pitfalls. They can provide valuable insights and help you refine your research area.
• Be receptive to making adjustments to your boundaries as your research progresses. Sometimes, you may come across new information that necessitates a modification to your topic.

Difficult to demarcate?

Defining your topic is an essential step in the thesis process. It ensures that you have a clear focus, set achievable goals, and can make a valuable contribution to your field. By establishing distinct boundaries and formulating specific objectives, you increase the likelihood of successfully completing your thesis. However, if you find that defining your topic is challenging, consider scheduling a sparring session with an experienced thesis coach in your field. A session lasting 1 to 2 hours often helps you get back on track promptly.