How to Create a Research Project for Undergraduate Theses, Master’s, and Doctoral Programs

The research project is the starting point for academic work, so learn how to create a research project for TCCs, master’s dissertations and doctoral theses.

It demonstrates the relevance of the topic, the researcher’s ability and the feasibility of the investigation. Below, we detail the essential elements and how to develop them.

How to Create a Research Project

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to develop one:

1 – Title

The title is the first element the evaluator will see but is usually defined last. Each word in the title should be anchored in concepts developed throughout the work. After finalizing the project, refine the title to ensure it’s clear, precise, and well-founded.

2 – Theme

The theme answers the question, “What will my work discuss?” Choose a subject that piques your interest and is relevant to your research area. Consider issues or phenomena that intrigue you and formulate a well-defined theme.Example:

• Broad theme: Consumption practices on social networks.
• Narrowed theme: Consumption practices on Facebook by women working in a specific company.

3 – State of the art

This involves surveying existing research on the topic to:

• Identify knowledge gaps.Support the project’s justification.Base the theoretical framework.

How to proceed:

• Use tools like Google Scholar to search for related articles, books, and dissertations.
• Note classic authors, key concepts, and recent studies.

4 – Research Problem

This is the question that will guide the entire project.For undergraduate theses and master’s: Questions like “How?” and “Why?” are common.

For doctorates: A deeper exploration of the “Why?” is expected, given the greater theoretical maturity required.Example: “How do mothers of victims of the Boate Kiss tragedy use social networks to create daily experiences?”

5 – Objectives

These define the research goals.

• General Objective: Answers the research problem.

• Specific Objectives: Steps to achieve the general objective.

Example:

1. Observe the dynamics of communication practices.
2. Interpret the digital experiences of these mothers.
3. Analyze how these practices help redefine their experiences.

6 – Justification

Explain why your research is important.

• Technical Justification: Show its relevance to the academic or professional field.

• Personal Justification: Relate it to your interests or experiences.

Tip: Use the state of the art to identify knowledge gaps your research aims to fill.

7 – Theoretical Framework

This supports the analysis of the study object and should include:

Classic Authors: Those who underpin the central concepts.

Contemporary Research: Works that update or reassess these concepts.

Tip: Consult the Lattes curriculum of potential advisors to identify authors and concepts they utilize.

8 – Methodology

Describe how the research will be conducted:

• Which methods will be used?
• How will data be collected and analyzed?
• Explain how the chosen methods will help answer the research problem.

9 – Bibliographic References

List all works consulted for the project. Use standards for proper formatting.

Basic format: Author’s surname, first name. Title. City: Publisher, Year.

10 – Formatting

• Font: Arial 11 or Times New Roman 12.
• Spacing: 1.5.
• Justified text.

Creating a research project is an exercise in planning and organization. By following these steps, you’ll demonstrate clarity and mastery over your chosen theme. I hope this guide has been helpful!

Importance of a Research Project

A research design serves as a fundamental guide for any investigation, establishing a structured plan that guides the researcher from formulating the research question to analyzing the results.

It allows the researcher to clearly define their objectives, choose appropriate methods, organize the data, and critically evaluate their findings.

In addition, the project plays a crucial role in communicating the research to other researchers and to society at large, ensuring that the research is conducted in a rigorous, ethical, and transparent manner.

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