Demystifying research: Turning a research idea into a project

Undertaking research can seem like a daunting task but simplifying the steps in the process can make the task more manageable. Planning is extremely important in the process and will ensure a successful project. A more focussed research project will be more effective as well as efficient in terms of time and resources. The main ideas for the project are set out in the research protocol but the planning starts long before a protocol is actually written.

There are steps that should be followed once a researcher has an initial idea and this process leads to the development of the project. The following article will outline the process from having an initial idea to completing the project. The article will explore the literature review, theoretical framework, research protocol, aims and objectives, research methods, data collection and analysis.