This lecture addresses core issues in choosing a research topic for undergraduate and first time researchers to consider. Taking a year-long view the lecture focuses on: how to generate a research question from a general topic of interest, how to plan a literature review, how to self-monitor one's own thinking as the conception of the research project takes form, and how to pay attention to ethical and feasibility issues as they arise in the course of planning a research design. Where appropriate the note series indicates key readings relevant to each core component of the lecture, for students to develop their understanding in self-study time.