How to define a research project ~ Overview

Why have I decided to do some research?

If the answer to this question is because you have been told to do so, either by your tutor or by your boss, you need to think about how you’re to remain motivated throughout your project. Research can be a long process and take up much of your time. It is important to stay interested in what you’re doing if you are to complete your project successfully. However, if you want to conduct some research because something has fascinated you, or you have identified a gap in the research literature, then you are lucky and should not have a problem with motivation.

How can I remain interested in my research?

The obvious answer to this is to choose a topic which interests you. Most of you do have this choice within the limitations of your subject – be creative and think about something which will fascinate you. However, if you have had the topic chosen for you, try instead choosing a research method which interests you. You will become more familiar with the different methods and should be able to find something in which you are interested. For example, mathematics might have motivated you at school. If so, you may find it interesting to delve deeper into statistical software. Or you might have been invited to take part in a focus group for a market research company and found it an interesting experience. Perhaps now you would find it enjoyable to try running your own focus group? Or maybe you have been fascinated by a particular group of people and you would like to immerse yourself within that group, taking part in their activities whilst studying their behaviour?

What personal characteristics do I have which might help me to Complete my research?

Think about your personal characteristics, likes and dislikes, strengths and weaknesses when you’re planning your research. If you’re very good with people you might like to think about a project which would involve you conducting in-depth interviews with people who you find fascinating. If you absolutely hate mathematics and statistics, steer clear of large survey research. Are you good at socialising? Do people feel at ease with you and are they willing to confide in you? Or do you prefer to hide yourself away and number crunch, or spend hours on the internet? All of these personal characteristics suggest a leaning towards certain types of research.

What skills and experience do I havewhich might help in my research?

If your research is to be employment based, the chances are you will have work experience which you’ll find useful when conducting your research project. This is valid experience and you should make the most of it when planning your research. Even if your project is not employment based, all of you will have other skills and experience which will help. For example, if you have been a student for three years, you will have developed good literature search skills which will be very useful in the research process. Some of you may have developed committee skills, organisation skills and time management expertise. All of these will be extremely useful in your research. Think about your existing skills in relation to your proposed project as it will help you to think about whether your knowledge, experience and skills will help you to address the problem you have identified. Many research projects fail because people don’t take enough time to think about the issues involved before rushing to start the work. It is extremely important to spend time thinking about your project before you move on to the planning stage. Through careful thought you should stop yourself wasting time and energy on inappropriate methods as your research progresses.