For some, research starts because of the need of the hour; for others, it starts out of interest. But for research to be successful, it should have a combination of factors related to the researcher, resources available, and the research topic (venn diagram). Keeping this in mind, here are some directions to get started:
Begin with brainstorming research areas which are both in your interest and have relevant practical implications (need).
Refine area through extensive literature search: look at latest papers to see trends, read ‘Recommendations for future research’ section in papers to see what authors suggest, and go through latest reviews in the area. Note common findings as well as contradictions. This helps narrow down what you are investigating.
Consider what you want the outcome to look like. Will this be an original research article or a review article? Is there a target conference or journal? Consider its scope (what your study will or will not cover); keep it realistic.
Consider skills. Are you more experienced with qualitative or quantitative research techniques? Are you familiar with the method or do you have someone who can guide you? Can you assemble your own Avengers team who can bring in expertise? This affects how you go about investigating. Your research question and method of investigating should be aligned.
Consider available resources. Do you have the time for something long term? Do you or your college have access to unique software? Think of practical constraints- would you be able to recruit enough participants?
Consider ethics. Do you have an Institutional Ethics Committee which can provide ethical approval in reasonable time? If you don’t, lean towards secondary data, review, meta-analysis, or other non‑participant methods.
After exploratory reading and narrowing down a specific gap, formulate (potential) research questions and choose the right method for answering it. Capture these details and your reasoning for the research in a mini proposal.
Hot topics for research (Area: Technology)
AI: Generative AI over-reliance/dependency, vulnerable population, perceived agency and responsibility, trust, anthropomorphizing AI, student use of AI
Social Media: online misinformation, political polarization, conspiracy beliefs, self-representation, social comparison, misogyny, incel/redpill ideologies, parasocial relationships, toxicity
Digital Mental Health: text and video-based teletherapy, mental health app engagement, ethical challenges, therapeutic alliance online
Cybercrime: cyberbullying, doxxing, bystander behavior when witnessing harassment/hate online, psychological factors in susceptibility to phishing, sextortion, romance scams, online gambling
Early exposure: early touchscreen use by children, problematic usage and family function, psychological and developmental outcomes
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