Formulating and Clarifying the Research Topic
Formulating and clarifying the research topic is considered the initial step of a research project. It enhances the researcher's ability to choose the most suitable strategy, approaches for data collection and analytical techniques. Although the process is time-consuming, it is critical for achieving a successful research project. For students to effectively accomplish quality work in their research work, they ought to first come up with ideas regarding what to research. The research topic chosen should be something that excites the researcher imagination in a way that he/she feels comfortable working on it. Once this has been accomplished, the ideas should be evaluated to ensure that the best choice is made.
Research Questions and Objectives
Research questions and objectives should then be formulated and a proposal written to serve as a guide during the project work. Various attributes could be utilized as a checklist for a successful project. These characteristics do not vary significantly between institutions since what matters is the student's ability to meet standards of the examining body. Individuals should also apply the techniques of generating and refining research ideas such as those involving creative and rational thinking. Moreover, Delphi techniques, ideas integration through the up-bottom approach and preliminary inquiries could be applied for further refinement of the research ideas.
Formulating Clear Research Questions
Formulating clear research questions contributes towards identifying the focal point of the research since one can clearly understand where to revolve around. Research objectives, on the other hand, provide steps with which the researcher utilizes in answering the research question thus operationalizing how he/she plans to carry out the study. Academic theories should always be referred to since they serve as the basis of the research. Moreover, a clearly defined and well-composed research proposal provide insights regarding the best approaches to what, why, how, when, and where of the research project.
