What Should You Research?

You might be thinking—“Can I really start doing research? Is such a big field possible for me?” Almost every undergraduate student has this question in mind. That’s because in our country, research is often imagined as something that only happens in big laboratories with complex equipment and famous professors. But in reality, the first step of research begins somewhere much smaller—with a single question, a curiosity, or an attempt to look at a problem from a new perspective.

What is research and why does it matter?

Research is not just about running experiments in a lab. Research is about seeking, analyzing, and observing in order to create new knowledge or find new solutions to old problems. Getting involved in research as an undergraduate means applying the theories you learned in class to real-life situations. For example, maybe you’ve studied climate change in class. But research will enable you to move beyond theory and observe reality—like asking, “How does a reduction in urban greenery affect local temperatures?”

There are different types of research. Fundamental Research is done to acquire new knowledge. On the other hand, Applied Research aims to find practical solutions to specific problems. Which type of research you want to pursue will become clear to you over time.

Finding Your Area of Interest

First, you need to figure out which subjects you’re interested in. This could be related to your field of study or might come from a personal hobby. For example, you might be studying computer science, but you’re interested in using data to solve social issues. In that case, you could even collaborate with social science students. So start making a list now of topics that spark your curiosity. Read books, go through research papers, talk to your professors, and ask yourself—“What problems do I want to find answers to?”

Forming a Research Question

Your research question is your guide. Without a strong question, research becomes meaningless. The question should be clear, researchable, and important. For example, if you’re interested in environmental science, you might ask: “What impact does urbanization have on the biodiversity of coastal regions?” Such questions will direct your entire process—what you’ll study, which data you’ll collect, and how you’ll analyze it.

Finding a Mentor

Research is not something you do alone. You need a guide, a mentor—someone who will show you the way. This could be a favorite professor, a senior researcher, or even an experienced senior student. Talk to them, attend seminars and workshops, and start networking. Sometimes universities offer opportunities to work as an Undergraduate Research Assistant. This experience will help you step into the world of research.

What is the Research Process Like?

Once you’ve decided on your research question, you need to understand the steps of the research process. The first step is conducting a Literature Review—that is, reading what previous research has been done on the topic. This helps you find gaps and new opportunities. Next comes data collection—which might involve surveys, lab experiments, simulations, or field observations. Then comes data analysis—where you’ll use statistical tools, software, or qualitative methods. Finally, there’s the conclusion—where you explain what your results have taught you.

Start Small

To start your research journey, you don’t need a huge project. You can begin with a simple idea. Your university might have Undergraduate Research Programs or beginner-level research projects. Get involved in these. Look for summer internships, apply to research institutes—even participating in student conferences or competitions can help you gain valuable experience.

Let me share a senior’s story: they started with a very small survey—“How many hours per day do university students spend online?” From there, they later became involved in a major study on digital addiction. So don’t underestimate small beginnings.

Building Key Skills

To succeed in research, certain skills are essential. Critical thinking—that means analyzing information and making logical decisions. Writing—because you’ll need to present your research in reports or articles. Time management—because missing deadlines can compromise the quality of your work. And collaboration—because research is often a team effort.

Writing a Research Proposal

At some point, you’ll need to write a research proposal. This is the blueprint of your plan. It should include an introduction, your research question, literature review, methods, timeline, and expected outcomes. In short, you have to explain clearly what you’ll do, why you’ll do it, and how you’ll do it. Learning to write a strong proposal increases your chances of getting grants or having your project approved.

Seeking Funding

Some research projects require funding—for equipment, travel, or lab materials, for example. Universities, government agencies, or private organizations often provide grants for students. You can apply for such funding. This can expand your research opportunities even further.

Sharing Your Research

Once your research is finished, sharing it is very important. You can publish in your university journal, present at student conferences, or even write blog posts online. Publication not only makes your work visible, it opens doors to new opportunities as well. Sometimes, a small publication can lead to an invitation for a major research project.

Final Thoughts

Starting your research journey is not just about academic success, but also about stepping toward a new horizon. The earlier you begin, the more experience you’ll gain. Big research starts with small curiosity—just give that curiosity a direction. Remember, a researcher never knows all the answers; instead, they are always searching for new questions. Today you might be a student, but tomorrow you could become a researcher—bringing new knowledge and solutions for society.