15 Identifying a Research Topic
15.1 Introduction
We’ve introduced a number of different concepts and ideas relating to the process of research.
However, identifying a suitable research topic in the first place can be a daunting process. Questions about the ‘value’ of certain topics, or whether they’ve been done before, or whether they might be too challenging, often arise in the initial stages of embarking on research, especially if you don’t have a pre-arranged topic.
There are few different ways in which we can identify potential research topics, and evaluate whether they’re worth pursuing further.
Literature reviews
When embarking on research, a literature review is often the starting point. By synthesising previous findings, we can compile and summarise past research, which offers insights into the current ‘landscape’ of a particular topic.
This is why a literature review is usually a compulsory part of any research dissertation or thesis. Also, this process allows us to identify gaps in the literature, showcasing areas that might benefit from further exploration.
Analysing existing literature also offers an opportunity to spot trends and patterns. Recognising these can provide invaluable inspiration, pointing towards innovative areas of study or new research methodologies.
Observing practice
Observational research, rooted in real-world practices, can provide rich insights that purely theoretical studies might miss. By engaging in field work, researchers can observe real-world practices and phenomena related to their area of study.
This ‘firsthand’ approach often uncovers details or nuances that aren’t evident in secondary sources. This is why it’s important to engage with professionals in the field, to find out what is important to them.
Also, interviews and case studies provide an avenue to tap into the experiences and knowledge of professionals, practitioners, or subjects, offering a more in-depth perspective.
Through these interactions, and by analysing challenges faced in practical settings, we can identify pressing issues and generate research questions directly connected to real-world applications.
Societal challenges
To ensure research remains relevant, it’s important to consider the broader societal context. Staying informed about current events and societal trends allows researchers to identify emerging issues deserving of attention.
Thinking about the potential policy and social impact of research is critical. How might research findings contribute to societal betterment, or to policy changes that address urgent issues?
Finally, adopting both global and local perspectives can provide a comprehensive view of challenges.
Understanding these varying contexts can guide researchers towards areas where their work could have the most significant impact, whether on a community scale or a global stage.
Reflect
As a researcher in sport, how might you integrate the techniques of literature review, observational practice, and consideration of societal challenges to investigate the effects of youth sports participation on lifelong health and wellness?
15.2 Feasibility and Relevance in Sports Research
Resource assessment
Resource assessment is the foundation of any successful research endeavor. Do we have the resources to undertake our exciting and important project?
Constructing a detailed budget plan allows researchers to ensure that adequate funds are allocated for all stages of the project, from data collection to dissemination of findings. Just as critical is time management, ensuring that the research project remains on track and aligns with stipulated timelines.
Moreover, before embarking on a project, we need to confirm the availability of pertinent data. If primary data is scarce or inaccessible, researchers should consider alternative sources or different methods of data collection.
Alignment with expertise
Conducting rigorous research demands a confluence of skills and expertise. It’s essential for researchers to evaluate their own skill-sets, identifying areas where they are well-equipped and those that might require bolstering.
Training and developmental initiatives can be pursued to bridge any skill gaps. Moreover, the dynamic landscape of research often benefits from collaborative efforts. By seeking collaboration opportunities, researchers can harness complementary expertise, lending depth and breadth to their investigations.
Relevance to the field
The relevance of a research question to its field cannot be overstated. A primary step involves consulting existing literature, ensuring that the chosen topic is both significant and acknowledged within scholarly circles.
Beyond literature, active engagement with peers and mentors can offer valuable feedback, further validating the research question’s relevance. Ultimately, researchers should be able to articulate how their inquiries will enrich the field, paving the way for deeper understanding or novel insights.
Potential for impact
High-impact research can resonate beyond the university, leaving a lasting imprint on the field and society at large.
Researchers try to identify the long-term benefits of their work, understanding how their findings might shape the field in years to come.
Evaluating practical applications is also important, highlighting ways in which research can transition from theory to practice.
Above all, research that addresses pressing societal needs or challenges inherently amplifies its impact, ensuring that the outcomes resonate with a broader audience.
Reflect
How might you ensure that a study on the physiological effects of a new sports training regimen is both feasible in terms of resources and holds significant potential for long-term impact in the athletic community?
15.3 Narrowing the question
When we’ve developed an interesting question that meets the criteria listed above, we usually need to narrow it down in terms of focus and scope. For example:
Specificity
An effective research question is one that is clear, concise, and devoid of ambiguity. To achieve this, it’s essential to critically evaluate and remove any ambiguous terms or phrases that may cloud its interpretation.
Also, by focusing on a specific aspect of the larger topic, we can enhance the clarity and precision of our inquiries.
Providing context is equally crucial; it ensures that the research question is comprehensible to peers, colleagues, and other stakeholders in the field, facilitating meaningful engagement.
Limiting scope
Defining the scope of a research project is pivotal to its success. This involves establishing clear boundaries, delineating what the research will and will not cover.
Given that resources - time, funding, or data - can often be constrained, it’s essential to shape the scope with these limitations in mind.
This ensures that the research remains realistic and achievable. To further enhance manageability, researchers should concentrate on the key issues within the topic, thereby ensuring that their efforts are channeled effectively.
Focus on key aspects
In any research endeavor, it’s imperative to home in on the pivotal aspects of the subject matter. By identifying and prioritising these core issues, we can ensure their inquiries are both meaningful and impactful. This focus should always be aligned with the overarching objectives and goals of the research.
It’s a delicate (and sometimes frustrating) act to maintain depth without sacrificing breadth. Striking this balance ensures that the topic is explored comprehensively, yet with the necessary depth to yield rich insights.
Feasibility?
Before embarking on a research journey, we must ascertain the feasibility of the chosen question. This involves evaluating its ‘researchability’: can the question be addressed effectively given the constraints of time, resources, and available data?
It’s crucial to consider the methodological approaches at one’s disposal. Are there suitable methods to delve into this question effectively?
Seeking input from experts in the field provides an external perspective, affirming (or denying) the feasibility and relevance of the research question.
Reflect
How could you refine a broad research question such as “What factors influence athletic performance?” to make it more specific, feasible, and relevant for a study on sprinters’ training routines?
15.4 Evaluating research in sport
Clarity and precision
Effective research is rooted in clear and precise communication. We try to use straightforward language and steer clear of jargon that could cloud comprehension.
Being explicit about our study’s objectives eliminates ambiguity and provides a clear roadmap for the research process.
Involving peers and mentors to review the research question can offer valuable insights. Their feedback can enhance clarity and precision, ensuring the research question is easily comprehensible to a broad audience.
Originality
In research, carving out a niche is important. Before embarking on a study, it’s important to compare your question to existing literature to discern its novelty. Doing so ensures that your efforts will bring fresh perspectives to the discipline.
Encouraging innovative thinking can also be instrumental in generating distinct and pioneering ideas. Validating the originality of a research question with experts can provide the reassurance that the topic hasn’t been exhaustively explored, and holds the potential for interesting and novel findings.
Relevance and significance
The most impactful research often addresses pressing societal needs and challenges. Ensuring alignment with these needs guarantees that the research has both relevance and significance.
Beyond societal implications, researchers should also consider how their findings will propel their field forward. Highlighting the potential for field advancement makes the case for the study’s necessity.
We need to think long-term, assessing the enduring impact of their findings on both their discipline and society.
‘Researchability’
The feasibility of a research question is contingent on several factors.
First, the researcher must ascertain that there are reliable methodological approaches at their disposal. The chosen methodology should not only be valid but should also align seamlessly with the research question.
Also, the availability of requisite data plays a crucial role. Without data, even the most compelling research questions remain unanswered.
Finally, a holistic assessment of the research’s feasibility—considering time, resources, and logistics—is essential. This ensures that the research endeavor is not just theoretically sound but also practically achievable.
Reflect
When considering a research topic about the effects of high-altitude training on athletes’ performance, how might you ensure that your research question is clear, original, relevant, and researchable?