micromass said:
Examples of open problems that would make a good honors thesis vary depending on the field of study, but some common examples include exploring the potential effects of climate change on a specific species or ecosystem, investigating the effectiveness of a new medical treatment or technology, or analyzing the impact of a social or political issue on a community.
Choosing an open problem for your honors thesis involves identifying a gap in current knowledge or understanding in your field of study. This can be done by reviewing recent research and identifying areas that have not been extensively studied, or by discussing potential topics with your advisor or professors.
To ensure that your chosen open problem is significant enough for an honors thesis, it is important to consider the potential impact or contribution of your research. This can include the potential to advance knowledge or understanding in your field, or the potential to have real-world applications or implications.
Yes, you can work on an open problem that has already been researched. However, it is important to ensure that your approach or methodology is unique and adds to the existing body of knowledge on the topic. Your thesis should also clearly state how your research differs from previous studies and why it is still relevant.
To effectively structure your honors thesis around an open problem, it is important to clearly define your research question and objectives. You should also carefully plan and organize your methodology, data collection and analysis, and discussion of results to effectively address the open problem and make a strong argument for your findings.