How do you manage research expectations?

1 Clarify your purpose

Before you start any research project, you need to have a clear and realistic idea of what you want to achieve, why it is important, and how it aligns with your values and interests. This will help you to define your research question, scope, and design, as well as to identify your stakeholders, partners, and beneficiaries. Having a clear purpose will also help you to stay motivated, focused, and ethical throughout your research journey.

2 Plan ahead

Research requires careful planning and preparation, as it involves multiple steps, tasks, and decisions. You need to consider the feasibility, suitability, and quality of your research methods, data sources, and analysis techniques, as well as the ethical, legal, and cultural implications of your research. You also need to plan your budget, timeline, and resources, and anticipate any potential risks, challenges, or limitations. Planning ahead will help you to avoid delays, errors, or conflicts, and to adapt to changing circumstances or feedback.

3 Seek support

Research can be a rewarding but also a stressful and isolating experience, especially if you face difficulties, dilemmas, or doubts. You do not have to do it alone. You can seek support from various sources, such as your supervisors, mentors, colleagues, peers, or experts. You can also access various resources, such as literature, databases, tools, or training. Seeking support will help you to enhance your skills, knowledge, and confidence, as well as to cope with challenges, learn from others, and collaborate effectively.

4 Communicate clearly

Research is not only about producing data and findings, but also about communicating them to others in a clear, concise, and relevant way. You need to consider the purpose, audience, and format of your communication, and tailor your message accordingly. You also need to be transparent, honest, and respectful of your sources, methods, and limitations, and acknowledge any biases, assumptions, or gaps. Communicating clearly will help you to share your insights, recommendations, and implications, as well as to receive feedback, recognition, and impact.

5 Reflect critically

Research is not only a product, but also a process, that involves continuous learning and improvement. You need to reflect critically on your research experience, outcomes, and implications, and identify what worked well, what did not, and why. You also need to evaluate your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development as a researcher, and seek opportunities for further learning or action. Reflecting critically will help you to enhance your practice, knowledge, and contribution as a social worker.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?