SayPro Template TDT01 – Topic Discovery Tracker

SayPro Template TDT01 – Topic Discovery Tracker
Purpose
The TDT01 template is used during the initial phase of research or project planning. It allows individuals or teams to:

Brainstorm and document potential topics

Track the development of ideas

Evaluate the relevance, feasibility, and impact of each topic

Narrow down to a final, well-justified research topic

Template Sections (Detailed)

1. SayPro Topic ID
   A unique code or short label for each idea (e.g., T001, T002).
   This helps with quick referencing and sorting.
2. SayPro Preliminary Topic Title
   A working title that briefly describes the topic idea.

It doesn’t need to be perfect—just clear enough to capture the concept.

Example:
“The Impact of Social Media on Youth Mental Health in South Africa”

3. SayPro Source of Idea
   Where or how the topic idea originated.
   Examples:

Literature review

Current events/news

Personal interest

Industry demand

Stakeholder suggestion

Supervisor feedback

4. SayPro Description / Rationale
   A short paragraph describing the topic and its importance.

Mention why it matters, what problem it addresses, and any initial insights.

Example:
“This topic explores how social media use influences mental health among teenagers, with a focus on anxiety and self-esteem issues. It is relevant due to rising concerns over digital well-being and mental health crises among youth.”

5. SayPro Keywords
   List relevant keywords or themes associated with the topic.
   E.g.: mental health, social media, adolescents, South Africa, depression
6. SayPro Alignment with Goals
   How well the topic aligns with the research purpose, organizational mission, or academic program outcomes.

Use a short justification or a rating scale (e.g., High / Medium / Low).

7. SayPro Feasibility
   Evaluate how realistic it is to pursue the topic based on:

Access to data

Timeframe

Resources

Expertise

Ethical considerations

Rating (example):
✔ Easy
⚠ Moderate
✖ Difficult

You can also justify the rating with a short note.

8. SayPro Potential Impact
   Estimate the significance of the topic’s results.

Could it inform policy, improve practices, raise awareness, or solve a problem?

Rating scale (example):

High (potential for large-scale influence or innovation)

Medium (useful within a defined community or field)

Low (limited scope or novelty)

9. SayPro Risks or Challenges
   Identify any known limitations or barriers:

Sensitive subject matter

Limited literature

Difficult access to participants

Time or cost constraints

10. SayPro Decision / Status
    Keep track of where each idea stands in the selection process.

Options:

Under Review

Selected

Rejected

Needs Revision

Combine with another topic

11. SayPro Notes / Actions Required
    Add any reminders, follow-ups, or next steps related to this topic.

E.g.: “Need to consult with advisor” or “Search for more recent journal articles”

Optional Additions
Some versions of the TDT01 may include:

A priority ranking (1–10)

Topic owner (if used in a group setting)

Links to reference articles or documents

Sample Entry Example
Topic ID Title Source Description Keywords Alignment Feasibility Impact Risks Status Notes
T001 Social Media and Mental Health in SA Teens News report Exploring links between Instagram use and anxiety/depression in high school students. mental health, teens, SA, social media High ⚠ Moderate (ethics approval needed) High Sensitive topic Under Review Read WHO 2022 mental health stats

Final Note
This tracker is a living document—update it as ideas develop, receive feedback, or as new insights emerge.