Engaging in scholarly research involves a systematic exploration of a chosen topic, where you investigate and analyze the relationships between various variables within your research hypothesis. As you delve deeper into your research, you may encounter information that challenges or contradicts your initial assumptions. In such instances, it is crucial to critically evaluate the conflicting data and seek additional evidence to either validate or refute the contradictory findings.
Moreover, throughout the research process, you may realize the need to refine or adjust your original research question based on emerging insights or new discoveries. This necessitates a continuous cycle of refining your research focus, identifying relevant concepts through database searches, and reassessing the relationships between these concepts. Adapting your search strategy to accommodate these changes ensures that you capture all pertinent information and maintain the rigor of your investigation.
Keeping a detailed log of your database search results, including the methodologies employed and the outcomes obtained, can be immensely beneficial. This log serves as a valuable reference point, allowing you to track your progress, identify successful search methods, and make informed adjustments as needed.
It’s important to emphasize that scholarly research is an iterative process that does not conclude with the initial findings. Instead, researchers should persist until they have fully addressed their research questions and determined whether additional information is required to achieve a comprehensive understanding of the subject matter. By remaining diligent and adaptable throughout the research journey, scholars can ensure the validity and reliability of their findings.