Writing a research project, thesis or dissertation is not an easy task. It is important for every researcher and writes to pay attention to every step in the research process as this will add value to the work, reduce error in the process of writing, helps in identifying research gaps easily, sourcing for materials relevant to the research gaps and helps in the timely completion of the project work.
6 Steps to Writing a Research Project Work Perfectly in 2021
The following steps will provide a critical guideline for the research to following to examine and produce a thesis or dissertation relevant to contemporary times:
Step 1: Choosing a Contemporary Research Topic
The first step in the research process is to know the purpose. Be cognizant that selecting the right topic may be difficult. It must be narrow and focused enough without difficulty but comprehensive enough to allow for sufficient evidence to be found. When faced with a research paper, how do you decide on what to write about? You want a topic that is narrowly focused. Here are some things to think about:
- Check that your theme meets the requirement of the project. If you are unclear, seek advice from your supervisor
- Pick a good topic that interests you. This may appear obvious, but it will make the research process more enjoyable and interactive for you.
- Take into account the breadth of your specific topic. If your theme is too extensive, it may be difficult to find structured and accurate information; if your topic is too limited, it may be difficult to find any information at all.
- Pick a topic that intrigues you for your thesis or dissertation. You’ll be thinking about this topic for a specific period as you conduct studies, read, and start writing your thesis or dissertation. Pick something that will pique your curiosity and even get you enthused. Your mindset toward your specific topic will be reflected in your writing or introduction
Step 2: Check if the Topic is Researchable
Before you begin your research in earnest, undertake a comprehensive search to see if there is sufficient available information for your necessities and establish your thesis’s background. Look, Search your keywords in acceptable titles in the library’s (online and physical library) and other channels such as journal archives, periodical databases, and Internet search engines. You can find more background knowledge in course materials, reference books, and reserve interpretations. You may need to change the focus of your topic based on the resources accessible to you. Note that not all research topics are researchable. When confused, seek the opinion of your supervisor.
Step 3: Source for Materials
Now that you know where you want to go with your research, you can start looking for material on the topic. You can find information in various areas, including If the topic search yields insufficient results, a search query can be conducted. Download or jot down the citation information (author, title, etc.) and the Journals locations(DOI number). Take note of the circulation identity. Choose the directories and formats that are particularly fit to the specific topic; if you need assistance determining which repository is best suited to your requirements, ask the librarian. Several of the publications in the databases can be accessed in full-text format. To find information on the Web, use search engines (such as google.com; scholar.google.com; Sciencedirect.com; etc.) and subject directories. It is important to go through recent and relevant materials. The researcher should also make sure the journals sourced are A-rated journals and not predatory journals.
Step 4: Study and Write
It is not enough to source information or literature on the topic in focus. The researcher or student must take time to digest the various concepts, theories and relevant information relating to the topic in focus. Examine the resources you’ve chosen and make a list of the information that will be useful in your paper. Make a note of all the references checked, even if you aren’t sure you’ll use them. When generating a reference list, the author, title, publisher, URL, and other relevant data will be required. Studying makes the researcher see different arguments on the topic in focus. This provides a robust base for the researcher, who will be able to see the potential interaction among the variables in consideration. Begin by arranging the data you’ve gathered. The draft is the next step, in which you get your ideas down on paper in an unfinished state. This step will assist you in organizing your thoughts and determining the format of your final project. Following that, you will rewrite the draft as many times as you believe are necessary to establish a finished version to submit to the instructor.
Step 5: Avoid Plagiarism and Properly cite your sources.
Cite your sources and give credit where it is due. Referencing or capturing the publications used in your thesis consists of two main components: it give clear credit to the original author of the resources used, and it enables those reading your work to recreate your studies and pinpoint the citations you’ve listed as references. The APA, Chicago, Harvard and MLA styles are standard referencing formats. Plagiarism is defined as failing to adequately cite your sources. Plagiarism can be avoided!
Step 6: Proofread your work.
The last stage of the process is to fact check the manuscript you’ve written. Review for word order, grammar, and spelling mistakes as you read through the text. The thesis can be given to a professional Language Editor to make the necessary corrections.
