How to do a research project: tips for success

According to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, at present, there are 7.8 million researchers around the globe. Meanwhile, since 2008, the number of scientific publications has increased some 23%, while the mobility of those involved is increasing on an international scale.

Bearing this in mind, it is no surprise that in 2022, the European Research Council (ERC) allocated 2.450 million euros to the Starting, Consolidator, Advanced Grants, this being the European authority's programme to support research teams pursuing high-risk and high-return innovations in any field. The financing of such research should also lead to “significant advances in the frontiers of knowledge”.

This funding demonstrates that the local, national and international powers that be are aware of the need to support research in order to drive economic and social development around the world. A case in point is that UNESCO has highlighted this as key to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 

Given its importance, in this article we look at what exactly a research project is, how to do a research project, and the structure it follows.

What is a research project?

The Project Management Institute, a non-profit professional association for project and programme managers, defines the concept of a project as “a temporary endeavour undertaken to create a unique product, service or result.” 

Similarly, the Technological Institute of Tijuana defines research as "a systematic, organised and objective process, the aim of which is to answer a question or hypothesis and thus increase the knowledge and information available about something unknown.”

So, we can define a research project as one stemming from the need to respond to a problem and in doing so, it postulates a hypothesis to be resolved through a set of strategies and actions. In other words, when a research project is proposed, a set of objectives are defined which take as their reference both the major issues to be resolved as well as the resources available to do so, whether these be in terms of staff, financing, available data, etc.

Moreover, as Ángel Montes del Castillo and Alberto Montes Martínez point out in their Guide for Research Projects, if you ask yourself how to do a research project, in any research project, regardless of the scientific field they fall into, there must be:

1. a well-defined research problem and subject matter.
2. a set of strategies, including a review of the literature available for this specific topic.
3. a theoretical foundation (in line with the requirements of each discipline).
4. a description of the process of obtaining and analysing the data.
5. the presentation of findings.

How to do a research project

The steps taken when doing a research project follow the scientific method used to obtain results. As such, the following stages are essential:

1. The research topic: there are several ways of choosing a topic for a project, but one of the most common is to observe daily life in order to identify certain problems. However, for people who start with any prior knowledge of how to do a research project, since it is their first time, it's best not to choose too broad a topic.

2. Setting out the problem: once the problem has been identified, a mind map should be made to determine the main strands of work that will be pursued, along with setting some objectives and defining the questions that will guide the research. The project's viability also needs to be explained: why the project is important to a specific discipline, the practical application of any results obtained, the available resources, etc.

3. Developing the theoretical framework (conceptual and contextual): at this stage, a review of the available literature for the subject will be carried out, the background to the research is analysed, and key theories are identified. 

By defining the main concepts and framing them under a specific context, understanding of the research topic is fostered, while the researcher ensures that their project is directed towards achieving new insights.

4. Defining methodology: which methodology you use will depend on the type of research, and will also determine whether quantitative, qualitative or both research techniques are used. However, the procedures chosen to carry out the project have to be justified. Likewise, at this point, it's time to identify the target populations or groups to be studied, sample sizes, etc. 

5. Plan of work: when it comes to establishing a plan of work, it's important to design a timeline that includes all of the activities to be carried out. Additionally, all goals and objectives should be achievable, and work must be conducted in an orderly manner.

6. Monitoring and development of the research project: at this stage, all the steps defined previously are executed. For the project to be successful, it's best to strictly follow the plan as established.

The structure of a good research project

Besides following a scientific method to yield results, any research project worth its salt needs to feature the following components: a title, formulation of the problem, development, findings, and a bibliography.

Title

This should be descriptive, in other words, the reason for undertaking the research project should be explained right here in the title.

Formulation of the problem a.k.a. the introduction

This involves setting out the selected topic and justifying why it has been chosen. The problem should be approached from a broader to narrower perspective. In other words, you should start from a broad issue, or from a general overview and break it down into a series of questions, based on which the actual research areas are defined.

Development

This is the most important part of the project, because it’s where answers are provided for each and every one of the unknowns posited. Here, the data are presented in their relevant context, along with which methodology has been applied and the results obtained. It is also crucial to include the background to the research topic, as well as the theoretical framework underpinning the project.

Meanwhile, on a formal level, it is important to include tables, images and infographics to accompany the explanation.

Findings

After the analysis stage, it's time to present the conclusions reached. However, it's not a question of just writing some results; these have to be justified and encompassed within academic discussions from the relevant field of study. To do this, you’ll need to reference other authors and works.

Bibliography

In this final section, all of the books consulted in the course of the research project have to be referenced: articles and publications, websites, multimedia resources, and so on.

As you can see, knowing how to do a research project is of major importance - on a social, cultural and economic level - when it comes to improving people's quality of life. They undoubtedly contribute to generating new insights that allow society as a whole to advance, an essential factor in the current context, where changes take place at a dizzying pace.

As part of this aim to boost employability and likewise help people to progress, overcome the challenges of the 4th industrial revolution, and grow in an inclusive and sustainable way, Banco Santander is committed to three key concepts: lifelong learning, reskilling and upskilling. To support this commitment, it has created the Santander Open Academy website, a unique and pioneering global programme. 

If you would like to keep growing personally and professionally, head over to the Santander Open Academy website, where you'll find 100s of opportunities to train together with internationally renowned institutions. Access training in technology, languages, research, investigation, soft skills, internships and female leadership, which will help you to improve your employability or refocus your career.

Do you want to become a lifelong learner and increase your job opportunities? The Santander Open Academy website has plenty of options to help you achieve your goals. Check out the website and remember: you can sign up for as many courses as you like. Make the most of this opportunity!