Introduction: Research Stages
Research usually involves a number of different intellectual stages and each of these stages is accompanied by a series of support mechanisms. Research is about the evaluation, and discovery of new, innovative and creative ideas, processes and/or products. Usually these ideas are generated in part from the researcher’s intrinsic interest in the topic, are supported through the research outcomes of other researchers, are developed through collaboration with other researchers (and in the case of research candidates, this person is often your principal supervisor), and are explored using a variety of well chosen methodologies.
The definition of a research problem, the exploration of the problem, and the dissemination of findings to the academic and general community, are central to the process of research candidacy. Whilst the focus of your candidacy is on the development and quality of your research, you are supported at each stage with various central and local activities and assisted with the administration and management of your research through the services provided by the HDRO.
This Part A overview is designed for individual candidates and supervisors, with sub-sections specifically for a candidate or supervisor, and with more detailed information in subsequent sections of this Guide, and on the HDRO website. The Guide’s Table of Contents provides a detailed outline of the relevant Part A and subsequent sections, and should be used to locate information on a particular topic, together with the Index.