The beginning of a research project can often be one of the most challenging parts. Thinking of a topic and developing a feasible research question, as well as coming up with a project plan, takes time, discipline and resilience.
It is important to remember that a well-developed question and project timeline will provide a strong foundation for the evolution of your research. Beginning your project by looking for useful tips can be a good idea.
A research question is a clear and structured statement of what you intend to investigate. Although there may be minor changes to the wording of your question as the project progresses, from the outset your question should reflect the scope of the research. If your initial question is too broad, it can result in a lack of direction and potential for being overwhelmed by background information.
Use the interactive image below to discover tips for developing a research title/question for your EPQ/HPQ.
Devising an initial plan for your research project is important; time management is key to a successful piece of work. You should ensure that you have enough time to achieve each stage of your project. There are a number of tools that you can use to achieve this - from good old-fashioned checklists or Gantt charts , to utilising free online project management tools like Trello .