Defining the subject
Following the exploratory phase, you will have a better impression of the possibilities of the subject. Decide which aspects of the subject you will and will not examine. This prevents the subject from becoming too broad and you getting lost in the search for information.
You can also define your subject by choosing a particular time frame or, for example, a country or language you wish to focus on.
Example:
You wish to carry out research into the “problems related to childcare”.
This is all still rather general and vague. By acquainting yourself with the subject, you might notice that you are especially interested in problems arisen following the privatization of the market in 2005. More particularly in the effects on waiting lists. You have now defined your subject by choosing:
- the Dutch market
- the time frame of 2005 onward
- problems related to privatization
- the effects of privatization on waiting lists.
