The Research Process, Problem and Proposal

What the resources cover

The unit follows a study from first idea to written proposal. The notes titled Research Methodology (AAHR03) - Overview begin with the characteristics of research: it starts with a question or problem, needs a clearly defined goal, and usually breaks the main problem into smaller parts. Several mind maps then walk through the stages, such as Stages in research, which runs from topic idea and pre-search to defining a question or hypothesis, drafting and proofreading.

Problems, questions and proposals

The MA Research Project mind map is a good example of how a proposal is built. It sets out a problem statement, a knowledge gap, context, a conceptual framework and evidence or logic, then a purpose statement and questions. Slide sets on writing a purpose statement and on writing research questions go deeper on those steps. There are also several flowcharts on defining a research problem and writing a problem statement, and a flowchart for planning an EPQ, which suits school students only in passing.

For worked examples, look at the notes that open with a problem statement and literature review about professional mountain guides, or the dissertation proposal mind map on urban agriculture in the UK.

Where to start and in what order

1. Read the overview notes, then open Research Process or Stages in research to see the whole sequence.
2. Move to the problem-focused maps and flowcharts to practise narrowing a topic into a problem.
3. Study the proposal maps and slide sets to see how purpose and questions fit together.
4. Finish with a quiz, such as Choosing a Research Topic and Question or Quiz 1: The Research Process.

Using quizzes and maps together

Read a map first, then try a quiz without looking. Any question you miss points you back to a particular stage or map. Flashcard decks on the research problem and the steps of research are handy for quick recall of terms.

Where it fits

This unit sits in the Planning and Designing Research strand of Research methods and academic skills. Teachers can pick a map or deck to set as shared reading. Choose one resource today and see what you can explain from memory.