Meaning of research project (what is it, concept and definition)

What is a Research Project:

A research project is the plan that is developed prior to carrying out a research project. Its objective is to present, in a methodical and organized way, a set of data and information about a problem to formulate a hypothesis aimed at solving it.

In this sense, the research project is a prior evaluation of the problem, its scope and importance, as well as the resources that will be necessary for the development of the research work.

Research projects are carried out based on a scientific methodology, which endows them with rigor and validity. They can be developed not only in the area of ​​science, but also in the humanities, technology, arts, political and legal sciences, social sciences, etc.

Steps of a research project

The first thing when starting the preparation of a research project is to select the topic to be addressed and identify the problem that we want to address and investigate, its validity and relevance.

Next, we begin the formulation of a preliminary project, that is, a preliminary outline that allows us to capture the basic ideas that we will develop in the project.

The following is the elaboration of the project, its writing, the search for theoretical texts and previous investigations that allow us to better analyze how our approach will be, and the definition of the strategies and methods that we will implement to obtain the results.

It is also very important to consider the resources that we will need to carry out our research and the material costs that it will entail.

Finally, a work schedule is drawn up in which the deadlines assigned for the execution of each phase of the investigation are established.

Parts of a research project

Title

You must clearly and concisely express the topic or object of the research work.

Problem formulation

It characterizes, defines and frames the question projected for its investigation.

objective

The set of purposes that are pursued with the investigation is stated. There are two types: general and specific. They are clear, short and precise. They are written with verbs in the infinitive.

Justification

The reasons that motivate the performance of the work, its importance and its contribution within the specific field of study are exposed. Depending on the sphere of knowledge, the reasons that justify an investigation may be scientific, political, institutional, personal.

Theoretical framework

It is constituted with the set of conceptual and theoretical references within which the research is inscribed.

Background

Previous research and work by other authors are considered. It offers an overview of the previous approaches to the topic to be discussed.

Hypothesis

It is the assumption regarding our object of study that we will verify with our research work.

Methodology

The set of methods and techniques that will be applied during the research process is described (data collection, field work, etc.).

Resources

The material and financial resources that will be necessary are explained briefly and in detail.

Schedule

The duration of each stage of the investigation until its end is established.