10Min Research Methodology - 2 - How to Start the Research Process?

Introduction

Starting the research process can be daunting, especially for those new to academic research. This tutorial aims to provide a clear and actionable guide on how to initiate your research journey, whether you are pursuing a Master's or PhD. By following these steps, you will gain a structured approach to kickstart your research effectively.

Step 1: Define Your Research Topic

• Identify Your Area of Interest: Choose a broad field that excites you.
• Narrow Down the Focus: Once you have a general area, refine it to a specific question or problem you want to explore.
  • Example: If you are interested in social media, you might narrow it down to its impact on youth mental health.
• Consider Feasibility: Ensure that your topic is researchable within your available resources and time frame.

Step 2: Conduct Preliminary Research

• Gather Background Information: Use textbooks, articles, and online resources to gain an understanding of your topic.
• Identify Key Concepts and Terms: Familiarize yourself with terminology related to your topic. This will help in future searches and discussions.
• Explore Existing Literature: Look for previous research studies related to your topic to identify gaps and potential angles for your research.

Step 3: Formulate Research Questions

• Develop Specific Questions: Based on your narrowed topic and preliminary research, create focused research questions.
  • Example Questions:
    • What are the psychological effects of social media on teenagers?
    • How does social media usage differ among various demographics?
• Ensure Clarity and Precision: Your questions should be clear and specific enough to guide your research process.

Step 4: Choose a Research Methodology

• Select an Appropriate Method: Decide whether you will use qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods based on your research questions.
• Plan Your Approach:
  • Qualitative methods may include interviews or focus groups.
  • Quantitative methods could involve surveys or experiments.

Step 5: Create a Research Proposal

• Outline Your Plan: Write a proposal that includes:
  • Introduction to your topic
  • Research questions
  • Methodology
  • Expected outcomes
• Seek Feedback: Share your proposal with peers or advisors for constructive criticism before finalizing it.

Step 6: Prepare for Research Execution

• Gather Resources: Identify the tools, software, or materials you will need for your research.
• Set a Timeline: Create a timeline with milestones to keep you on track throughout the research process.

Conclusion

Starting the research process involves defining your topic, conducting preliminary research, formulating questions, choosing methodologies, creating a proposal, and preparing for execution. By following these structured steps, you can navigate your research journey with confidence.

As a next step, consider exploring resources on how to find journals and articles, which is crucial for supporting your research findings.