As research is a
systematic and methodical process of enquiry and investigation , so you
have to follow certain systematic steps from start to finish in order to
successfully complete a research project. The research process normally
follow the following sequence:
- Identifying the research topic
- Defining research problems and
formulating hypotheses
- Determine the research methodology
- Collecting research data
- Analyzing and interpreting research
data
- Writing the thesis or dissertation
2.1 Identifying the research topic.
Identifying the research topic is one of
the most difficult tasks in a research work. You need to select the
right topic at the very beginning because it is extremely difficult to
change topic midway through your research, you may not have enough time
to finish your thesis or dissertation within the timeframe. A normal
master program is two years and a doctoral program is 5 years. There are
a few criteria you have to consider when you choose your topic:
You must choose a topic that you
think you can finish the research in the designated time. You need
to plan your research so that any delay caused by unforeseen
circumstances such as illness, domestic pressure and etc. can be
managed effectively. Otherwise you may become stressed which will
cause further delay.
When you choose a topic, make sure
that you have the capabilities to conduct study in that field. It is
best to conduct a research on the topic that you have prior
experience . For example, it you are doing a doctoral research, you
might want to conduct a study related to the research you have done
before in your master program. It will make things easier to manage.
Besides, you must be good in certain skills such as statistical
analysis skill if you want to conduct a quantitative study or strong
writing skill if you want to conduct qualitative study. You must
also have good interpersonal and communication skill because you
need to negotiate with other people to obtain your data
Your interest should also be
considered when you select a research topic. Strong interest in the
topic will generate high enthusiasm so that you can overcome
challenges to complete your study. Without interest, you might give
up easily.
When you pick a topic, you have to
make sure to can have access to the data. For example, you might be
interested to study a highly sensitive area such as the reasons why
people get AIDS, it will be difficult to obtain confidential data
from the respondents. So, it is better to embark on some studies
that you think you can have access to the data.
The rest of the process will be discussed
in subsequent chapters. |