4.1 getting started on a research

SOUTHERN ISABELA ACADEMY, INC.Spirituality. Ingenuity. Academism

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GETTING STARTED ON A RESEARCH



A maze is a network of passages like a puzzle through

which an individual has to strategize, find a way, and

reach the end goal.



In a maze, the objective is to find the right path that will

lead out of the complex pathways.



There may be different possible routes to the exit

point, but the key is to know where to begin the journey.



Once the correct starting point is found, only then can one decide

which path to take. This correct path should lead you to the end of the

maze – the finish line.



How should a research be started?

Research usually starts from the researcher’s interests.

Interests may come from any of the following sources:




1. Daily Life Experiences

Research topics may come from simple to complex questions that people ask as

they go about their daily lives.




2. Academic Readings

Reading academic material can also stimulate one’s interest to explore a

particular topic. Usually, the idea that catches the attention of the reader while scanning academic paper becomes the

reader’s research topic.




3. Personal Hobbies

Most researchers would like to seek answers from questions they have based on the things that they enjoy

doing.




4. Attention-Catching Situations

There are cases encountered by the researchers that catch their attention.

From there, they can formulate questions as to how this things became possible, how that thing is able to do

those, etc.




From these interests, a broad topic is formed. Subsequently,

specific topic and questions emerge.



IDENTIFYING A RESEARCH TOPIC

Once interest is recognized, a particular research topic can be identified. This idea should be

explored thoroughly by scanning and reviewing related literature.




Once interest is recognized, a particular research topic can be identified. This idea should be

explored thoroughly by scanning and reviewing related literature. To do this, the following can be done…




… (a)

Reading books, research articles, and other professional publications regarding a given topic of interest




… (b)

Asking help from the experts in the field for more relevant ideas and

perspectives




… (c)

Observing things for some experiences about this interest




Research topics can also be identified from the following:

•Current events or emerging ideas

•Problems that require solutions

•Products that may be tested

•Reports about what scientists are currently working on




Research topics can also be identified from the following:

•Problems encountered when using a new technology

•Specific needs of a certain community




In selecting a research topic, the following factors may also be (but not solely)

considered:

a. Personal Factors are related to personal experiences, professional qualifications,

expertise, motivation, intellectual curiosity, and perceptiveness of the researcher. Time

element, benefits, and hazards.




In selecting a research topic, the following factors may also be (but not solely)

considered:

b. External Factors include uniqueness or novelty, importance or value of the

research, availability of data and materials, ethical considerations, and department or

unit where the research is to be undertaken.




The following are some reminders in selecting appropriate research topic:

a. Do not choose a research topic only because it seems workable and feasible. Also consider the nature of data that is

required of the research.

b. Have the means of data collection.





c. Consider your technical skills, capability, and limitations.

d. Consider your interest and support systems.





e. Do not get spellbound and fascinated with the allure and attraction of a topic

without considering the possible consequences that the research may bring

out.





f. Study all possible angles. It will be difficult to turn back when so much effort,

time, and resources have already been expended.



NARROWING DOWN ARESEARCH TOPIC

Once a topic has been identified, it has to be narrowed down to

specific one. One needs to read further to find as many

information as possible regarding the topic.



NARROWING DOWN ARESEARCH TOPIC

The following reminders need to be considered:

•What is current and what is new;

•Recommendations of researchers who have conducted similar studies;

•What has already been studied; and

•New ways of gathering data.

4.1 getting started on a research

Education