How to do a step-by-step research project Complete class

Summary

In this video, Professor Ivan Claudio Guedes presents a step-by-step guide to creating a research project. He emphasizes the importance of having a clear theme, problem, and well-defined objectives. The script covers essential aspects like the formulation of research questions, the methodology, and the significance of the study in both scientific and social contexts. Professor Guedes advises on the process of developing a comprehensive research plan, including literature review, hypothesis formulation, and proper citation. The video also outlines how to structure and organize a research project, providing practical tips for students embarking on their academic research journey.

Takeaways

• 😀 Understand that a research project is not just a bureaucracy, but a roadmap guiding your work and helping you stay on track with your research goals.
• 😀 The theme of your research is not the title, but the broader subject you're investigating, and it should be something you genuinely care about and enjoy studying.
• 😀 Clearly differentiate between a theme and an object of research. Start with a broad theme and narrow it down to a specific research object or focus.
• 😀 Problematization is crucial as it identifies the real-world issue or gap that your research aims to address, making it the foundation of your investigation.
• 😀 Objectives are key to guiding your research. Your general objective defines your ultimate goal, while specific objectives break it down into smaller, actionable steps.
• 😀 The goal of your research is to understand a phenomenon, not to convince or educate people—focus on comprehension rather than social awareness.
• 😀 In research, avoid setting objectives related to ‘conscientizing’ people; instead, focus on understanding a problem or phenomenon through investigation.
• 😀 Justification of your research is essential; explain why your project is important for both the scientific field and society at large.
• 😀 Hypotheses or guiding questions shape your research. These should be based on your observations and lead to more detailed investigations and conclusions.
• 😀 The theoretical foundation of your research brings together different scholarly perspectives on your topic, showing the academic context of your study.
• 😀 Research methodology outlines the tools and steps you will use in your study, explaining how you plan to collect and analyze data to achieve your research objectives.

Q & A

What is the purpose of a research project?

The purpose of a research project is to guide and structure your academic work, helping you focus on the specific objectives and methodologies required to answer your research questions. It is not merely a bureaucratic task but an essential tool to clearly outline what you intend to study and how you plan to approach it.

What is the difference between 'theme' and 'title' in a research project?

The theme refers to the broad subject or area you will investigate, while the title is the specific name or label for your research project. The theme is the overall topic, while the title encapsulates the specific angle or focus of your research.

Why is it important to choose a theme that you are passionate about?

Choosing a theme you are passionate about makes the research process more engaging and rewarding. Since research projects often require a significant amount of time and effort, it’s important to select a topic that interests you deeply to maintain motivation throughout the process.

How should the problem be contextualized in a research project?

The problem in your research project should reflect a real-world issue that has motivated you to investigate it. It must be contextualized within a specific situation, such as observations in your field, so that it’s clear why this problem is worth researching and how it relates to your broader study area.

What is the correct way to formulate research objectives?

Research objectives should clearly state the purpose of your study. The general objective defines the overall goal, such as understanding a phenomenon or solving a problem. Specific objectives outline the steps you will take to achieve the general objective. They are concrete actions like 'investigate,' 'analyze,' or 'compare.'

What is the distinction between objectives and awareness-raising in research?

Research objectives aim to understand or explain a phenomenon, not to raise awareness. For example, a research objective might be to understand the factors influencing a specific problem, while awareness-raising efforts are typically part of community or organizational activities, not academic research.

What role does the justification section play in a research project?

The justification section explains why your research is important. It covers the relevance of the study for the scientific community (how it contributes to the field) and society (how it benefits or impacts the broader community). This section underscores the value and potential impact of your research.

How are hypotheses or research questions developed in a research project?

Hypotheses are formulated based on preliminary insights or assumptions about a problem. Research questions, on the other hand, are precise queries you seek to answer through your study. Both must be grounded in the problem statement and objectives and should guide your investigation toward clarifying or solving the issue.

Why is a theoretical framework essential in a research project?

The theoretical framework demonstrates your understanding of existing literature and places your research within the context of previous studies. It provides the foundation for your research by drawing on relevant theories and concepts that help explain your research problem and guide your analysis.

What is the purpose of a methodology section in a research project?

The methodology section outlines the specific methods and approaches you will use to collect and analyze data. It explains how you will implement your research, including whether it will be qualitative or quantitative, the tools you will use (e.g., interviews, surveys, document analysis), and why these methods are appropriate for your study.

How do resources and costs fit into a research project?

While not always mandatory, the resources and costs section is important if you are seeking funding for your research. It includes a detailed budget that outlines expenses like travel, materials, equipment, or personnel. Proper planning ensures you have the necessary resources to complete your project effectively.

What should be included in the timeline or schedule of a research project?

The timeline or schedule outlines when each phase of the research will be completed, from literature review and data collection to analysis and writing. It is crucial for organizing tasks and managing time efficiently, ensuring that all activities are completed within the allotted timeframe.

What is the significance of the references section in a research project?

The references section lists all the academic sources you consulted throughout your research, including books, articles, and other publications. Properly citing your sources is essential for academic integrity and allows others to follow the trail of your research. The reference style should follow the guidelines provided by your institution or field of study.