If you are an undergraduate student from a social science or humanities background and feel confused and apprehensive about how to begin research, this article is for you.

Mostly, students only seriously deal with research during our final-year thesis or at the master’s level, which can be too late to build up strong research skills. Therefore, starting early can make a huge difference.

Drawing on the expertise of Mostakim Bin Motaher, Associate Professor of International Relations, Jahangirnagar University and Muhammad Al Amin Dewan, Founding President of the Jahangirnagar University Research Society, I have developed comprehensive guidelines to help undergraduates start their research journey in the field of social science.

Manifest the right mindset

The first and most important step is to build the right mindset. Research is not about knowing everything rather it is about asking meaningful questions and solving specific issues. 

Curiosity is your greatest asset. So your only task is to be curious and show up regularly. Remember:
“Consistency beats talent every time.” Research is a long journey, and patience matters more than perfection.

Understand the objective

This is a crucial step. If you study Economics, Sociology, International Relations, Anthropology, or any other social science discipline, explore the types of research usually conducted in your field. As social science is multidisciplinary, you can also explore related mixed disciplinary studies also.

Check your teachers’ profiles, journal papers and their research interests. Visit platforms like Google Scholar and ResearchGate, where you can access published research papers. ResearchGate works much like a social media platform, allowing you to scroll researchers’ work and stay updated on recent studies.

Read literature without pressure

Read research papers as if you are reading a story. Start by observing the structure and logical flow of a paper. 

Initially focus on abstract, introduction, and conclusion to understand the main argument. Then move on to the findings and discussion sections. 

Finally, examine the methodology carefully to understand how the research was conducted whether through surveys, interviews, case studies or secondary data and theoretical frameworks. 

The more you read, the clearer ideas will become. Over time, you will naturally identify your research interests and potential research gaps.

Learn basic research tools

Learning a few basic tools can give you a strong advantage.

• For qualitative data analysis, try learning NVivo
• For quantitative analysis, explore SPSS, R, or Python
• For referencing and citation management, use Zotero or Mendeley

You can learn and practice all of these tools for free via YouTube and open online resources. Likewise, work on improving your academic writing skills by regularly writing non fiction.

Always keep a notebook with you. Write down ideas whenever they come to mind. List four or five potential research topics and read related literature and contemporary issues.  

Choosing a topic that genuinely interests you will help you stay consistent, because research requires long-term commitment.

Find an appropriate circle

A mentor can be a senior student or a teacher. Start by approaching seniors who are already involved in research and let them know about your interests. 

If you are lucky, they may guide you. You can also reach out to teachers who are known to be approachable and supportive of undergraduate students, especially those whose research interests align with yours.

Building a circle of research-enthusiastic friends is extremely helpful. Such a network allows you to discuss research ideas, tools, journals, scholarships, and opportunities, which can significantly strengthen your academic journey.

Mostakim Bin Motaher asserts, “Research is not something only a select few can do; every undergraduate has the opportunity to develop skills through research by practicing critical reading, dealing with evidence in a straightforward manner, and embracing the reality of being uncertain until they have gathered enough information to reach a conclusion. I encourage students to develop independent thinking skills and articulate their ideas through clear writing so that they may begin to be members of the scholarly world.”

Muhammad Al Amin Dewan believes, “Initiating a research journey requires patience, consistent engagement with reading especially academic articles and a mindset of beginning with small-scale work.”

So by following these steps, you can begin your research journey through literature reviews, book reviews, conference papers, or even by working as a data enumerator. Research is challenging, but it is also exciting, interesting and rewarding. With patience, consistency, and dedication, conducting research can become an enjoyable and meaningful experience.