What Do I Have To Consider Before I Start My Research?

You might have read in some books or may have been told of the best strategies to take when caring out a good research. Some if these techniques might work well in some cases and sometimes not so well. But the truth of the matter is there is no one straight rule as to how to carry out a good research. In most cases, you as the researcher have to make the decision as to what kind of strategy would be suitable for your specific research. Various strategies, as well as those found in most text books all have their pros and con. So the first thing to do is choose a reasonable approach that fits your specific research. This can and will make the difference between a good research and a bad research.  

So, making a decision on the strategy and method to use at the start of your research project should be the first and foremost step to take. I personally find this checklist method helpful: 

  • Is there a practical or theoretical significance to my research?
  • Will my research build upon an existing knowledge?
  • Do I have enough time to collect the data I need?
  • Do I have enough time to analyze the results of my data?
  • Is my research feasible? Can it be done?
  • Will there be enough diversity of people, events, etc to include?
  • Will there likely be enough response rates?
  • Will the research produce true findings?
  • Can I be objective enough to avoid any beliefs and personal value from influencing my research?
  • Will the privacy of those involved be respected? 
 
If you can answer "Yes" to these questions, then you are ready to start work. I find the book “The Good Research Guide” from  Martyn Denscombe also quite interesting, so go through it if you can.

12/02/2012

Start creating a survey