Decoding Research Paths: A Starting Guide
Do you remember when you were a kid and someone asked you, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” When I was a kid, that was limited to one thing, “Doctor,” mostly because of cultural expectations, but also, that’s all I knew. Oftentimes, when we’re asked, “What do you want to do?” “How do you want to engage?” It does have some embedded assumptions that you have no idea of what’s out there. Yes, the “art of the possible” and creative thinking are important—if you’re presented with all the options, sometimes that can close down thinking. But for the most part, people like to have something at least as a starting point to consider what might be right for them.
In the pursuit of research excellence, many aspiring researchers find themselves at the crossroads of curiosity and confusion. The vast expanse of the academic world is both exhilarating and intimidating. You don't know what you don't know, and you don't know what's there. It's a paradox that often leaves many floundering for direction in the sea of knowledge. That's precisely why I conceived the Wellness, Aspirations, and Growth (WAG) tool —to serve as a compass (or at least a general Wayfinder) for navigating the ocean of research opportunities.
Why WAG? A Starting Point to Discovery
WAG is not just a tool; it's a starting point for self-discovery in research. It's designed to help you identify which areas of research might pique your interest, knowing well that you may not have the capacity to delve into everything, but you need to embark somewhere. For the polymaths who find themselves intrigued by everything, here’s a closer look at the general buffet of options to consider for yourself:
Key Aspects of Research: A Closer Look
Research is not a monolith but a mosaic of activities and competencies.
Research Planning & Design
Included Activities:
Literature Review
Research Design
Funding & Grant Application
Key Competencies:
Research Skills
Problem-Solving
Methodological Understanding
Writing
Budgeting
Persuasion
Rationale:
The genesis of any research lies in its planning and design. This stage is the bedrock upon which the entire project stands, requiring a robust foundation in research methodology, sharp writing, and adept planning skills. Those who excel in these competencies are the architects of the research, steering its course and securing its viability.
Data Management
Included Activities:
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Key Competencies:
Communication
Organizational Skills
Technical Skills
Statistical Analysis
Critical Thinking
Attention to Detail
Rationale:
Data is the currency of research. Collection and analysis are two sides of the same coin, yet they demand distinct sets of skills. From the meticulousness required in harvesting data to the acumen needed in parsing it, these stages are for those who can navigate the technicalities with a keen eye for detail.
Interpretation & Communication
Included Activities:
Interpretation of Results
Dissemination & Outreach
Key Competencies:
Analytical Thinking
Writing
Communication
Public Speaking
Networking
Consultative Skills
Rationale:
Research doesn't end at data analysis. The true test lies in interpreting results and communicating them effectively. This phase is for the storytellers of science, those who can translate complex findings into clear, compelling narratives and engage with a wider audience.
Ethics & Project Management
Included Activities:
Ethical Oversight
Project Management & Logistics
Key Competencies:
Ethical Understanding
Decision-making
Time Management
Budgeting
Team Leadership
Rationale:
Ethics and management are the twin pillars ensuring a research project's integrity and success. Adhering to ethical standards and managing the logistical labyrinth requires a judicious blend of moral compass and managerial prowess.
All of the elements work collectively and iteratively together, and many individuals on the research team take on multiple aspects, and if you’re like me, a PhD Candidate—you wear all the hats! That said, if you’re not in a position to do it all, the WAG tool will help you figure out where you might like to begin.
The WAG Assessment: Mapping Your Research Personality
By categorizing research activities, WAG offers an engaging tool tailored to identify where you might shine as a patient research partner. Each category probes for the competencies highlighted, providing a multidimensional assessment of your potential contribution to the academic realm.
Whether you're deciphering the intricacies of data or crafting persuasive grant applications (or both!), WAG may help to illuminate the path that resonates with your skills and aspirations. So, give the WAG tool a try and emerge with a clearer vision of your research journey, one where your growth and well-being go hand in hand with your research aspirations.
