Working with a 'Working Title'

Over the past couple of years I've heard many lecturers and fellow students speak about the 'working title' of their PhD research. Whilst understanding why this might be the case, I felt as though I was quite secure in my title; that it explains what the research is about and wouldn't need changing.

However, over my BLT lunch I just had a moment of clarity where I realised that a) my title is too wordy and b) my focus has actually shifted a little since I first planned the study well over a year ago.

So, previous title was as follows:

'Exploring residential mobility: Learning about how young children experience the transition of moving house and how adults can best support them.'

Arguably, I was correct that it described the study; however, I feel that with my focus being on the support provided throughout the transition, I needed to shift the focus of the title. I also realised that I do not need to include all of the keywords in the title - that's what keywords are for! So 'residential mobility' is out (who actually calls it that on a conversational level, anyway?!). Thus, new title:

'Young children's experiences of support during planned and unplanned house moves.'

Does what it says on the tin, for now. I need to remain open to the possibility that it may need changing again!