Whether you're collecting your own data or using data gathered by others, the first step in your research project is to decide what you want to learn. When planning a research project, you must first determine what you want to learn and define your topic. Doing so will help you define your variables. Consider the Who/What/Where of your topic using the following questions:
- Who is the subject of this research? Are you looking at groups based on age, background, or profession?
- Example: second-career college students or teachers with childcare needs
- What are you hoping to achieve with your research? Are you wanting to learn more about a topic, prove a theory, or share information?
- Example: housing needs for young adults or the effect of urban food deserts
- Where are you focusing your study? Are you focusing on a particular region or type of environment?
- Example: Southeast U.S. or comparing urban versus rural settings
By combining these elements you'll be able to form a research question.
Next consider the time frame. Is this a week-long project, final, or a years-long study? The time frame you have will influence the type of study you can do. There are two main types: longitudinal or cross-sectional.
Once you have these in place, you'll be able to create your thesis statement and/or research proposal. The format for these may vary depending on your discipline, assignment, and needs.
To the right you will find information on Research Planning at ETSU.