Final answer:
Selecting a research topic should involve a balance of interest and prior knowledge. It is often more efficient and effective to start with what you know and then expand upon it, rather than choosing a topic you are entirely unfamiliar with. Therefore, the claim in the question is false.
Step-by-step explanation:
Choosing a suitable research topic is essential for the success of any academic writing assignment. While it might be tempting to pick a topic you know little about with the intent to learn and research, this strategy is not always the best approach. It is important to select a topic of interest to you that aligns with the class materials or the assigned text. When finding a topic, you should seek a balance between what is interesting to you and what you already know. Starting with a bit of knowledge can help streamline the research process and ensure that you have a solid foundation to build upon. This does not mean you should avoid learning new things but rather suggests that a topic should not be so unfamiliar that it becomes overwhelming. Furthermore, ensuring that your topic is neither too broad nor too narrow can help maintain focus and depth in your exploration. Before engaging in extensive research, a background search using popular sources can help orient you to the existing knowledge and potentially refine your topic and thesis. Therefore, the statement that it is always a good idea to choose a topic you know little about is False. Engaging with a topic that piques your curiosity and connects with your existing knowledge often yields a better research experience and a more comprehensive paper.