Planning a Research Project and Formulating Research Questions

(Social Research Methods, 4th Edition, Alan Bryman, Chapter 4)

1. Introduction

• Designed for students undertaking small-scale research projects (e.g., undergraduate or postgraduate dissertations).
• Focused on practical steps to plan, conduct, and write up research projects effectively.

2. Key Steps in Planning a Research Project

1. Understand Institutional Requirements:
   • Follow university/department guidelines on structure, referencing, deadlines, etc.
   • Clarify rules on plagiarism, financial assistance, and supervision.
2. Use Your Supervisor:
   • Seek feedback and act on criticisms.
   • Avoid avoiding supervisors during challenging phases—address difficulties proactively.
3. Time and Resource Management:
   • Create a detailed timetable with milestones for literature review, data collection, and writing.
   • Plan for delays, such as securing access to organizations or ethical approval.
   • Ensure resource availability (e.g., software, travel funding, recording equipment).

3. Formulating Research Questions

• Sources of Research Questions:
  • Intellectual puzzles, gaps in the literature, social problems, personal experiences, or new societal developments.
• Steps:
  1. Start with a broad area of interest.
  2. Narrow it to a focused aspect.
  3. Develop interconnected, researchable questions.
• Criteria for Good Research Questions:
  • Clear, specific, and feasible within available resources.
  • Connected to established theories or literature.
  • Address a significant topic, adding original value.

4. Writing a Research Proposal

• Purpose:
  • Serves as a blueprint for research, demonstrating feasibility and significance.
• Key Components:
  • Research topic and objectives.
  • Literature review highlighting theoretical framework.
  • Proposed methodology and justification for chosen methods.
  • Anticipated challenges (e.g., access issues) and ethical considerations.
  • Timetable for the research process.

5. Conducting Research and Analyzing Results

• Preparation:
  • Obtain permissions and access early.
  • Conduct pilot studies to refine methods.
• Practical Advice:
  • Keep detailed records (e.g., field notes, survey responses).
  • Familiarize yourself with required software early.
  • Begin coding and analysis during data collection, not after.
• Safety Considerations:
  • Avoid risky situations. Use public spaces and maintain communication with others when working alone.

6. Checklist for Research Planning

• Clear understanding of dissertation requirements.
• Feasible timetable with milestones.
• Financial and logistical resources accounted for.
• Research questions finalized and reviewed.
• Ethical considerations addressed and approval sought if necessary.

7. Key Points

1. Follow institutional guidelines strictly.
2. Use supervisors as key resources.
3. Devote sufficient time to each research phase.
4. Research questions are essential to maintaining focus.
5. Write a research proposal to clarify your objectives and methods.
6. Address access and ethical issues early.
7. Maintain good records throughout the research process.