Research always aims to find a solution for a particular issue, and different ways are there to select a problem. Research work is not limited to a particular field, but it can work well for science, technology, and arts to get insights into the issue. By following a particular path, it becomes easy to meet the right end. The most important thing in research is an idea. Everything else is dependent on the research idea. If the idea is good, it works well to grasp the reader’s attention. As a student, you are bound to go with research idea which is relevant to your discipline. For example, if you are an engineering student, it would be lame to research medicine. So, research ideas demand high focus to make your efforts stand out.
There are two ways to design a research idea. One of the ways is to come up with something which is innovation. These types of ideas are original and fresh, making the reader curious. In contrast, the other way is to read the literature relevant to your field and develop a research idea out of it. So, this article aims to discuss the ways to get research ideas from past research.
What Are The Possible Ways To Develop Research Ideas From Existing Research?
Following are the possible ways that can help you get a research idea from existing research:
Literature Review
When you work on the past research work of someone else, the best approach is to go for the most reliable part. From such a section, better research ideas can be developed. In research, the most reliable part is a literature review. Literature is the collection of data from several valid resources. Also, a literature review provides you with a comfortable zone to get an in-depth overview of the topic and the different aspects linked with it. By reading the literature review, you can better grasp the macro as well as micro concepts connected with it. With the help of given references, you can track the original information. In this way, you can evaluate a particular aspect based on the scope of study. This is one of the factors which can provide you with research ideas.
At the time of analysing literature review, you need to pay attention to the database. Literature is basically a big picture having several databases. For research, you should not work on all databases but go for only one and then track it down for critical examination. However, if you are unable to do so, hiring a dissertation writing service can be helpful in this regard.
Research Findings
Most researchers prefer to find research ideas from findings. Findings give you a clear picture of aspects from which a particular problem has been completed. In the findings of the research, every researcher aims to discuss two things, including the outcomes and limitations of the study. The outcome helps you know the area which has already been explored by other researchers. In contrast, the limitation of the study is something that is unexplored, and it usually attracts the attention of the reader. The reader is always curious to find an answer to research limitations. Most of the researchers highlight the limitations of past research done by others and develop new research ideas out of it.
Finding a research idea by using this approach ensures that there would not be any repetition of an idea. As a researcher, you should understand that repetition of an idea is not less than any blunder. No reader wants to spend time on a single topic repeatedly. In a particular field, there should be research on several aspects of a single problem. If you keep discussing one face of the problem, it would not be less than wasting time, effort, and money. So, finding a research idea from the findings of past work can benefit you.
Abstract
An abstract can also work well to help you in developing a research idea. The abstract is the summary of the whole research, which includes information related to the introduction, literature review, and methodology. Furthermore, it includes the results of the study. This small summary of research gives you an overview. It is not wrong to say that the use of abstracts is effective for generating research ideas, and its use can benefit all researchers. The experienced researcher can find it productive, but it can be challenging for novel researchers. So, it is suggested that if you are a novel researcher, then it is better to avoid the use of abstracts.
Brainstorm With Fellows
For generating research ideas, brainstorming is necessary. If you brainstorm alone, it can be a little challenging, and you will need to spend more time and energy. It is better to reduce the burden by brainstorming with your class fellows. If you need to do research in group form, it is preferable to have a detailed discussion with your group mates. In this case, there is no need to go out of your group. This approach helps you maintain the privacy of the group and the confidentiality of research ideas.
Come Up With Interesting and Demanding Ideas
When generating a research idea, you should keep two aspects in your mind. The first one is your interest in the selected idea, and the second is market demand. Making an idea from past work is not everything, but other elements also matter. Research is the lengthiest assignment of a degree, so it matters a lot to have an interest in the selected sector of discussion. Furthermore, you need to identify its market demand. If it contributes to solving a current or future problem, then you can finalize it. For collecting an interesting and demanding idea, you need to select recent research work done by other researchers. Do not waste your time on research of a very past time.
Final Thoughts
The above-mentioned points can help you get one of the best research ideas from past research. Read and understand each point, and grasp the core purpose. In this way, you can find effective results which can benefit you in a productive way.