SUCCESS IN RESEARCH - 6 Ws

1. WHY? (The purpose) Why are you conducting this research? Why focus on this particular problem, when there, maybe, are a million others out there?


2. WHAT? (The problem) What exactly is the problem or issue here? What do you hope to gain from addressing this particular problem?


3. WHERE? (The environment) Where do you see this research leading to in light of everything that's around you? Your location and context do matter. What works in the US/UK need not work just as well in India/Malaysia. Where in the broad spectrum of things happening within your field do you see your research helping things get better?


4. WHEN? (The timeframe) When do you propose to do this research and when do you expect it to bear fruit or give you actionable results? When would be an ideal time to get into this research and why? Why propose to address this issue now, when there are many other issues that also need to be addressed?


5. WHO? (The proponents and targets)

5. A. Who should be involved in this research? (Just because you thought of the idea does not mean that you are the best person for the job.) Justify yourself and why you should be a part of the team that addresses this problem. Explore and state your credibility in this field and how you have prepared for this role.

5. B. Who are the participants in your research and how do they fit in with your research problem identified? Who do you think this research will benefit? Who do you believe should be involved as the primary and secondary research audience?


6. HOW? (The method, significance and projected impact)

6. A. How do you propose to address your identified research problem? How does your chosen method serve you and your goals? Why is this the best way to approach it?

6. B. How do you think addressing this problem, and doing so in this way, will help others in your field? How do you think conducting this research will help those participating/interested in your research?

6. C. How does addressing this problem help change the course or improve the lives of others? How would it impact those around you or your target audience? What are the wider implications of this research project?


While there is no guarantee that your research will become a roaring success, having explored the answers to these questions will definitely get you that much closer. šŸ˜˜

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