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Methodology
Stages in the development of a research project: putting the idea together
  1. Roger G Eston,
  2. Ann V Rowlands
  1. School of Sport, Health and Exercise Sciences, University of Wales, Bangor LL57 2EN, Wales, United Kingdom
  1. Correspondence to: Dr R G Eston.

https://doi.org/10.1136/bjsm.34.1.59

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    Aim

    The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the process and stages involved in developing a research idea from its inception to realisation. It is not designed to be an all encompassing summary of the research process. It fprovides a brief guide to the most common sequence of stages involved in the development of a research idea into a viable research proposal. Useful references for further reading on important issues that are beyond the scope of this article are also provided.

    Familiarity with the topic

    Research projects should be built on the foundations of knowledge accumulated from previous studies.1 A thorough understanding of the topic to be researched is essential. To advance the boundaries of knowledge within a specific area, it is necessary to know the status quo within that area. This will include familiarity with the theory and terminology underlying that topic. A literature search is normally carried out before the start of the study. It is unlikely that reference books will contain the latest information on a topic because of the time it takes for publication. The approach taken in the study will be influenced by an evaluation of the latest findings from journal articles and conferences. Fortunately, the technology available today means the literature can be searched, and often journal articles obtained, with relative ease.

    Reviewing the literature

    Most literature searches begin with one of the many electronic databases available, using the author's name or a combination of carefully selected keywords. Individual databases are limited as to which journals are listed. Within sports and exercise science, Sports Discus and Medline are widely used. To avoid missing pertinent articles, it is suggested that a number of electronic databases are searched. Medline covers biomedically orientated journals, Sports Discus covers sport and exercise orientated sources, and the Science Citation Index covers scientific articles …

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