The first step in the research process is to identify or choose a broad research topic or area of interest. This involves selecting a subject that sparks your curiosity and aligns with your academic or professional goals. At this stage, the topic can be quite broad and will later be narrowed down into a specific research question or problem
. This initial step often includes some preliminary background reading or exploration of existing literature to understand what has already been studied and to identify gaps or areas needing further investigation. This helps lay a solid foundation for your research and guides you in refining your focus
. In summary, the first step is:
- Choose a broad topic or area of interest.
- Conduct preliminary research to understand the field.
- Narrow down to a specific research question or problem.
This foundational step is crucial because it sets the direction for the entire research project and ensures that your study will be meaningful and feasible
