08/10/2025
Session 1: How to Develop a Research Idea??
Hello and welcome to my first session — How to Get a Research Idea!
Starting a research project often feels daunting. Many of us struggle at the very beginning — finding that one idea to explore.
From my professional experience, I have observed that students are introduced to research methods around their second year of undergraduate study. By the end of that year, they usually go into the field to apply their methodological knowledge: developing a research idea, creating tools, conducting interviews or group discussions, collecting and analysing data, and finally writing and presenting a report.
Gradually, students build on this experience — moving from small-scale group projects to independent research work. This process helps them grow in confidence and creativity, ultimately preparing them to become independent researchers.
It is often said that completing a PhD marks the point when one becomes a truly independent researcher — able to design, develop, conduct, and publish their own studies. But let us think about this from a broader perspective.
Before we go further, I’d love to know where you are in your academic journey — and from where you’re joining me today. Most importantly, are you already thinking of a research idea but struggling to shape it? Don’t worry — over the next few weeks, we will explore how to develop a research idea step by step.
For now, let’s begin with the most fundamental question:
How do we generate a research idea?
Where should we begin?
Is there a common path to follow?
To be honest, a research idea can come from almost anything — if you’re curious enough to ask questions. Start by asking yourself:
What is it that I want to do?
Do I want to solve a problem?
Explore something new?
Evaluate a process or outcome?
Describe a phenomenon?
Think about where your ideas might come from:
Your personal experiences or observations
A problem you’ve seen in your community
Something from your workplace or professional life
Insights from your family or relationships
Any issue you care deeply about — political, economic, cultural, or related to health and development
Look at the image I’ve shared with you — as learners, we often feel exactly like that: too many ideas floating like bubbles above our heads. But that’s not a problem. In fact, it’s a good sign — it means your mind is alive with curiosity!
The next step is to prioritise. Give yourself time to think and talk through your ideas — even if others find it funny that you’re talking to yourself! Choose five ideas that excite you the most. Then ask yourself:
What do I truly want to do?
Is it realistic within my resources and time?
Most importantly — do I genuinely love it?
Because a good research idea doesn’t just come from the mind — it begins from the heart.
Thanks for listening. Stay connected for more... like and follow the page.
Halima Hossain Aziz
Copyright: ThinkAgile Community
