Preparations Before Conducting a Study: Pre-emptively Taming the Great Beast

It is inevitable that, at some point, every researcher will feel less like they’re managing a study and more like they’re wrangling a great beast. I know, I fully appreciate how very dramatic that statement is. Still, as someone currently in the thick of recruitment targets, multiple assessments a week, data extraction, surprise amendments, and what feels like a million participant trackers, I’d say ‘beast’ is a fitting descriptor.

I often think about all the preparations that were put in place to pre-emptively tame this beast. Thorough preparation ensures the research process runs smoothly and yields valid and reliable results. It is during this stage that researchers must take some crucial steps to prepare effectively for their research study and best avoid their project from turning from a great beast into a feral beast.

So, let’s examine some key steps that lay solid foundations for a research study.

Define the Research Question and Objectives

The first step in preparing for a research study is clearly defining the research question and objectives. This involves identifying a specific problem or gap in the existing knowledge that the study aims to address. A well-defined research question provides a focused direction for the study and helps design the methodology.

Conduct a Literature Review

A thorough literature review is essential to understanding the current state of knowledge on the topic. This step helps identify relevant theories, models, and findings from existing studies. It also aids in avoiding duplication of work and identifying potential gaps that the current study can fill. Researchers can refine their research questions and design a robust theoretical framework by reviewing existing literature.

Choose an Appropriate Methodology

Selecting the right methodology is crucial for the success of the research study. Based on the nature of the research question, researchers must decide whether to use qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods. They must also consider the data collection techniques (e.g., surveys, interviews, and experiments) and the required tools and instruments. The chosen methodology should align with the research objectives and ensure the data collected will be valid and reliable.

Develop a Research Proposal

A well-structured research proposal outlines the research question, objectives, literature review, methodology, and potential implications of the study. It serves as a roadmap for the research and is often required for securing funding by planning for resources and budget. The proposal should clearly articulate the significance of the study and the methods for achieving the research objectives.

Obtain Ethical Approval

Ethical considerations are paramount in any research study, especially those involving human participants. Researchers must submit their research proposal to an institutional review board or ethics committee for approval. This process ensures that the study adheres to ethical standards, such as informed consent, confidentiality, and protecting participants from harm.

Thorough preparation is key to the success of any research study. By carefully defining the research question, conducting a literature review, choosing the right methodology, developing a research proposal, and obtaining ethical approval, researchers can ensure that their study is well-organized and poised to produce meaningful and reliable results – and, hopefully, wrangle the beast to come.