Research Strategies for Students

Begin with a plan or a working outline. Assess the questions you have been tasked to answer, or the proposal you have put forth, and brainstorm ideas about how to approach the topic or data. Consider what surveys, panels or research sources will be required to provide the most comprehensive information. Once the big picture has been considered you are ready to begin - armed with your well conceived and prepared plan. The next step is to determine where to source the information required. This may include establishing the demographic groups appropriate for panels or surveys or the historical data available about a topic or issue. Most university courses will require the reference material to be from credible sources such as peer reviewed journals. Once the background and prep work is done you are ready for compilation and analysis.

Data Compilation and Analysis

Now begins the task of accumulating, interviewing, surveying, recording, cataloguing and assessing the data obtained. This will probably be the lengthiest stage of any research project and adequate time should be allocated at the beginning of the project; to give this part of the research full consideration.

Confirm Accuracy and Sources

Every good research professional understands the importance of verifying information, statistics and sources and although these should be reliable even at the outset, it is important to ensure that data hasn’t changed and to double check the accuracy of all project details. One wrong set of variables can ruin an entire research project.

Once the data is collected and confirmed it is time to present the data and information in a well presented easy to read and follow format. Conclusions should be clear and where possible the information presented should be supported with well drawn and accurate graphs, charts and statistical data. The written information should be presented so that it is easy to follow in well written English prose.