There is a lot one can study. Choosing a specific research topic helps narrow down a broad subject area into a more feasible and focused investigation.
Beginner Research Course | ProjectCLERIS
Research
The Research Process
Research is "the systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions" (Oxford Languages). In other words, it is a rigiorous procedure for how we understand the world, whether from a micro (e.g., atomic, microbial, etc.) or macro (e.g., whole-body, societal) level. The National Institute of Health has a great article and infographic as a starting point for understanding the research process.
You have probably heard it many times, but data is everywhere. As researchers and scientists, it is our duty and responsibility to use data ethically and to present it accurately and reliably.
The research procedure can generally be explained in a few steps. However, the process itself involves multiple steps and is an iterative process. It is not a linear path. The exact steps also differ based on the lens in which you approach your topic, whether you are using primary or secondary data, among other factors. Science in Motion summarizes it well (see video here).
-
-
Evaluating literature gives the researcher a breath of what has been done and helps identify gaps in the literature. In other words, it gives us an idea of what we currently know about a given topic and what we have yet to learn.
Reading Scientific Papers
Carey, M. A., Steiner, K. L., & Petri, W. A. (2020). Ten simple rules for reading a scientific paper. PLoS Computational Biology, 16(7), e1008032. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1008032
Writing a Literature Review
Pautasso, M. (2013). Ten simple rules for writing a literature review. PLoS Computational Biology, 9(7), e1003149. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1003149
Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA)Reference Managers
-
It is important to define your research questions as they guide the design of the study. Narrowing them down within your choosen topic can sometimes be challenging, but below are some tools to get you started.
How to Develop a STRONG Research Question | Scribbr Youtube Video
Conceptual Framework
Jabareen, Y. (2009) Building a Conceptual Framework: Philosophy, Definitions, and Procedure. International Journal of Qualitative Methods. https://doi.org/10.1177/160940690900800406
Theoretical Framework
coming soon...
-
Ethics in research are guidelines and procedures researchers must follow for the integrity of the research process and the protection of participants' rights. It is essential for maintaining integrity, credibility, and accountability.
What is Ethics in Research and Why is it Important? by David B. Resnik, J.D., Ph.D.
-
The research design is the blueprint for conducting a research study. It outlines the methods, procedures for data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
Research Design Types
Quantitative Research Design
Basic Quantitative Toolkit | Spark: a centre for social research innovation
Advanced Quantitative Toolkit | Spark: a centre for social research innovation
Quantitative Research Design | Grad Coach Youtube Video
Qualitative Research Design
Basic Qualitative Toolkit | Spark: a centre for social research innovation
Qualitative Research Design | Grad Coach Youtube Video
Mixed Methods Research Design
Qual vs Quant vs Mixed Methods Research | Grad Coach Youtube Video
Data Management
Managing Data & Writing a Data Management Plan (F24) | France Willson Thompson Library
Michener, W. K. (2015). Ten simple rules for creating a good data management Plan. PLoS Computational Biology, 11(10), e1004525. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1004525
Hart, E. M., Barmby, P., LeBauer, D., Michonneau, F., Mount, S., Mulrooney, P., Poisot, T., Woo, K. H., Zimmerman, N. B., & Hollister, J. W. (2016). Ten simple rules for digital data storage. PLoS Computational Biology, 12(10), e1005097. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005097
-
Data collection is the process of gathering relevant information or measurements, which we call data, to answer a research question or understand a phenomenon. The type of data needed depends on the research questions and design.
Public Databases and Repositories
Data Repositories | scientific data
Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA) Data
-
Data analysis is the process of examining, cleaning, and interpreting data to answer a research questions or understand a phenomenon.
Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA)
Exploratory Data Analysis | Coursera - University of Leeds
Exploratory Data Analysis | Coursera - John Hopkins University
Exploratory Data Analysis With Python and Pandas | Coursera
Descriptive Statistics
Descriptive Statistics Online Training | Princeton
Data Visualization
Statistical Analysis
Statistical Computing Softwares
Python
R & RStudio
The R Project for Statistical Computing
Learning Statistics with R by Danielle Navarro
Using R for psychological research
R Programming 101 Youtube Channel
MarinStatsLectures Youtube Channel
Statistics Globe Youtube Channel
Qualitative Analysis
Qualitative Data Analysis 101 | Grad Coach Youtube Playlist
Qualitative Analysis Softwares
Note: most institutions will use licensed softwares (e.g., NVIVO, Dedoose, MAXQDA, etc.), but we will only list free ones here.
QCoder - lightweight R package to conduct qualitative coding
-
The dissemination of research findings is a fundamental role in the research process. It ensures that results are shared with the scientific and general communities. Depending on the specific research project, sharing findings can also having positive benefits in informing policies, interventions, clinical practice, and future research.
Scientific Communication
MIT Communications Lab | MIT School of Engineering
Scientific Writing
Mensh, B., & Kording, K. (2017). Ten simple rules for structuring papers. PLoS Computational Biology, 13(9), e1005619. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005619
Seals, D. R., & Tanaka, H. (2000). Manuscript peer review: A helpful checklist for students and novice referees. Advances in Physiology Education, 23(1), 52-8. https://doi.org/10.1152/advances.2000.23.1.s52
Finding Appropriate Journals for Publication | France Willson Thompson Library
Writing Up Qualitative Work | UNC University Health Sciences Library
Presentations
Naegle, K. M. (2021). Ten simple rules for effective presentation slides. PLoS Computational Biology, 17(12), e1009554. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1009554
-
Many universities offer internal funding opportunities which supports conference expenses, preliminary studies, pilot studies, or different phases of a dissertation. External funding enables larger research endeavors often sourced by federal or government agencies, foundations, organizations, or corporations.
Federal Funding
National Institutes of Health Grants & Funding
National Science Foundation Funding Search
National Endowment for the Humanities
Institute of Museum and Library Services
State, Regional, or Local Funding
Foundations, organizations, and private sectors can serve as an important source of financial support. Awards may not be as large as federal grants, but they are an option.
Guide to Foundation Funding | American Association of State Colleges and Universities
Funding Finders (Databases)
Immigrants Rising Scholarships and Fellowship Database
Research Funding Opportunities| John Hopkins University
UCLA Grad and Postdoc Funding Database
Grant Writing Resources
Grant Writing Resources | UCI School of Social Sciences
National Organization of Research Development Professionals Resource Page
Open Grants | fully-funded grant examples
Why Academics Have a Hard Time Writing Good Grant Proposals by Robet Porter, PhD<