What do you do if your complex research problem seems unsolvable?

When confronted with a complex research problem that appears unsolvable, it's essential to take a step back and break down the problem into smaller, more manageable components. By deconstructing the problem in this way, researchers can gain a clearer understanding of its intricacies and identify potential areas for further exploration. Breaking the problem down also enables researchers to focus their efforts on specific aspects of the problem, rather than feeling overwhelmed by its complexity. This approach allows for a more systematic and targeted investigation, increasing the likelihood of finding viable solutions or avenues for further research.

I personally, when get stuck in this situation with complex research problem, organize myself in some steps: 1. firstly: I write it down and separate it in a short-time goals. and investigate problem in smaller size and don't check it comperehendly. 2. secondly: I put my problem in a teamwork phase and also ask some researchers who have done it before me. 3. I put all my efforts to solve my problem and do not neglect anything in this route. 4. finally : negative answer is also answer, accept it. sometimes you are not that person who have to solve all problems. keep calm and just enjoy whatever life is. :)

Most research problems are time specific. And this creates pressure yet one could become blank and the problem looking unsolvable. Sometimes the reason is that the problem was not well defined. It's time to take a break and then go back to the drawing board.

Well, tasks are only complex and difficult at the beginning. After you break them down into small segments and review each one separately, they tend to reveal a cohesive pattern that anyone can potentially understand and hopefully complete. At the end of the day, any problem can seem daunting until you start dealing with it.

-Ask for help. As a medical and health scientist who's also from an agricultural and natural science background I have found that sometimes other disciplines can offer answers. If you're a medical molecular biologist stuck with a problem, speak to a plant molecular biologist, perhaps. -Re-evaluate the research question -Evaluate alternative tools

Joining an online research group with specific topic can be very helpful, people all around the world may have experienced the same obstacles, and they may give advices you can follow. For many cases, it works.

Creo que buscar la experiencia de personas o profesionales que te puedan apoyar en tu proceso investigativo ayuda a mejorar la resolución de problemas complejos no solo en investigación, incluso apoyaría la posibilidad de volver más sencilla cada parte del problema que parece complejo sabiendo oír la opinión de no sólo una sino varias personas con más experiencia o habilidades diversas a las del investigador

Acknowledging that something can be and is beyond your expertise is an ideal mindset of a researcher. A lot of experts don't accept that they may not know the answer or the way to all the solutions. So accept it with humility, and seek people who can help you. Every researcher has an area where they may be able to provide an un-thought of perspective. So seeking some experts can be helpful.

Literature exists so that we can learn from it. Hence, always seek out what has already been done on the same/ related topics. Try to read articles which provide different viewpoints, and then consider what shall be most feasible for your project.

A deep review of the literature and research related key words can yield a variety of results. Research until you have a full grasp of issues and aspects. Research related definitions to fully understand it. Dive deep into numerous research not limiting research to a few as research may yield a sentence of support while others full of support. No finding is too small. Stay open to having innovative and creative solutions can lead to new ways of being thus suggesting new possibilities. Use your experience, skills and knowledge to apply new mindset. Connect with like minded researchers on the issue. Challenge yourself to go beyond your own knowledge. Change your mind about the world and the world changes.

Through literature review, researcher can gain insights into various perspectives , methodologies and findings. This enables researcher to identify gaps in knowledge and solve their research problems. So ,my strategic step would be thorough literature review.

Diante de problemas de pesquisa complexos e multifacetados, fundamental efetuar uma sistêmica revisão de literatura, obras e relatórios relativos ao tema ou ao contexto social, político ou jurídico, relacionado à problemática. Fontes nacionais e internacionais são recomendadas, o que poderá servir de base para melhor enquadramento do conhecimento exigido.

Knowing when to pivot is a crucial skill in research, especially when faced with a seemingly unsolvable problem. While perseverance is essential, it's equally important to recognize when continued efforts may be yielding diminishing returns. Pivoting involves reassessing the problem and considering whether it aligns with your research goals and resources. If despite all efforts, the problem persists and alternative approaches prove futile, it might be time to pivot to a different research question or project. This doesn't signify failure but rather a strategic redirection of efforts toward more fruitful endeavors.

Sometimes, in fact most of the times, a research may not go as planned. We may create a research design based on our limited knowledge and reading, but when we actually start doing it, we may face feasibility issues. One shall be ready for it mentally. Be flexible and be ready to pivot it, for the good of the end goal. Being inflexible and rigid is not helpful when it comes to doing actual research.

Consider alternative perspectives and methodologies when faced with a seemingly unsolvable research problem. Sometimes, the most effective solutions emerge from unexpected angles or unconventional approaches. For instance, if you're grappling with a data analysis challenge in your research, consider incorporating techniques from fields such as machine learning or computational modeling that may offer novel insights. Similarly, if you're stuck on a theoretical problem, exploring interdisciplinary literature or seeking input from scholars outside your immediate field can provide fresh perspectives and innovative solutions.

The trial and error aspect of research is unavoidable. Embracing failure, for an early stage researcher, is a crucial step but only valuable when the whole research group does. If the later values results rather than the process, then it will be the worst experience of his/her career. The ability to embrace mistakes in research comes with experience. Only an experinced researcher would know publishing a negative result is as important as positive results. Such negative results can open up new perspectives for much broader and deeper research. For a budding researcher, embracing their failures would be a great deal and how would they embrace it will depend on how much support they are getting from their research group.