As a graduate student, you are embarking on a journey of discovery and exploration that will shape your career and contribute to the advancement of your field. Foundational research concepts form the bedrock of this journey, providing the framework and methodology for conducting rigorous and impactful research.
At its core, foundational research is the systematic investigation of knowledge and understanding of the world around us. In order to conduct effective research, it is essential to understand the foundational concepts that underlie it. These include concepts such as research strategies, database searching, data collection and analysis and critical thinking. By mastering these concepts, you will be better equipped to develop and execute research projects that are grounded in theory, data-driven, and impactful.
This introduction will provide you with a broad overview of some of the key foundational research concepts that you will encounter throughout your graduate studies. We will explore the theoretical foundations of research, different research strategies, the development of research questions, and literature reviews.
Whether you are pursuing a degree in the sciences, social sciences, humanities, or any other field, a solid understanding of foundational research concepts is essential to your success. With GSRI as your guide, you will be well on your way to becoming a skilled and confident researcher, capable of making a meaningful contribution to your field of study.
Navigate to content using the widget on the right or bottom of the page. Content in this module includes:
- Setting the Scene
- Research as Conversation
- Joining the Conversation
- Improving Your Research Strategies
- Advanced Tips for Database Searching
- Developing a research question
Are you a student who has already engaged in graduate-level research?
You might prefer to skip ahead to this module’s activity breakout page, or you may choose to jump directly to Slack to talk more about your specific research interests in one of the channels.