It’s that time of year when research students have signed up for their research thesis/dissertation and they’re looking to get started. I find myself giving the same advice I gave last year, and the years before, so I’ve decided to write it on the blog this time so that you can benefit too.
The formalities of enrolling in a programme are complete. The preliminary proposal has been written but that’s just a first pass at what the research could be about.It’s time to get down to the real work of research.
The next thing to do is work out clearly what your research question is. This bit of work influences the rest of your research project. It’ll change, as it should, as you learn how to use the research process. Here is a guideline on how to set up a context for your research question, narrow down to a statement or question that says what your research is all about, and then a brief explanation of what you mean.
Aim to write about three pages, including your list of about ten references.
Use a funnel metaphor to create your focus. Start broad and narrow down until you can write, ‘Therefore my research question is…..’ Describe the context and use the literature to indicate what problem or situation you’re going to do your research on, e.g. if you’re looking at challenges and opportunities related to health IT implementation you should describe the problem of implementation failure and briefly identify and describe success factor theories. As you write, tighten the boundaries of what you want to research, until you’ve got to the point of the funnel that enables you to write, ‘Therefore my research question is…..’
Assume that your reader doesn’t know anything you know or want to know. Place the points you make close to one another in terms of concepts. Use the idea of heel-to-toe walking – don’t leave any gaps that make your reader try to work out what you’re doing. Make it easy for your reader to follow you through the funnel – you want the reader to agree with each step and not be surprised when you write, ‘Therefore my research question is….’
From your draft proposal you already have some concepts that form the core of your research question. Assume there are three and one is emphasised. Make a note of what they are. Using the literature tell your reader about them, leading logically from one point to the next (as if you’re walking heel-to-toe joining up all the points you’re making), focusing down through the funnel until you get to ‘Therefore my research question is…’ Ten articles from your reading collection should be enough to help you do this.
You’re going to find a lot of literature to use for your research. If you haven’t already done so, now is a good time to download RefWorks or EndNote to help you manage your references and literature electronically. Use the ‘cite while you write’ function to keep your referencing accurate.
Send your writing to your supervisor for feedback. Expect to revise and rewrite.
This research question derivation will form the foundation of your research. It will keep you focused. It will help you make decisions about your methods. It will form the foundation of your data collection. It will help you complete your ethics application. It will become part of the introduction chapter of your thesis or dissertation. File it safely where you can find it easily for repeated use.
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