Writing a Research Statement

How to Write a Research Statement?

Writing a research statement can be a challenging task, but it can be made easier by following some steps and tips. Here are some suggestions for writing a research statement:

Do your homework: Before you start writing your research statement, you should do some research on the position or the project that you are applying for. You should find out the expectations and requirements of the audience, the goals and priorities of the institution or the agency, and the current trends and challenges in your field. You should also identify the strengths and weaknesses of your competitors and how you can stand out from them.

Be clear and concise: Your research statement should be clear and concise, without any unnecessary details or jargon. You should use simple and direct language, avoid passive voice and complex sentences, and use headings and bullet points to organise your information. You should also proofread and edit your research statement to eliminate any errors or inconsistencies.

Be specific and coherent: It is important to be specific and coherent, and you should avoid vague or irrelevant information. You should provide concrete examples and evidence to support your claims and arguments. You should also show a clear and logical connection between your past, present, and future research projects and how they relate to the main theme or question of your research agenda.

Be realistic and feasible: Feasibility and realism should form the basis of your research statement and it should not contain any unrealistic or unachievable goals or plans. You should provide a reasonable and realistic timeline and budget for your research activities and outcomes. It is important to acknowledge and address the potential challenges and limitations of your research and how you will overcome or mitigate them.

Be enthusiastic and confident: Your research statement should be enthusiastic and confident without any doubt or hesitation. You should show your passion and interest in your research topic and your field. You should also show your confidence and competence in your research skills and abilities and how you can contribute to the institution or the project you are applying for.

Conclusion

A research statement is a document that summarises your research interests, achievements, and plans. It shows your expertise, skills, and potential in your field of study. It also demonstrates how your research contributes to the advancement and dissemination of knowledge in your discipline and beyond. A research statement is often required for applying for academic positions, such as faculty, postdoctoral, or doctoral positions.

A research statement typically consists of the following components: introduction, past research, current research, and future research. Writing a research statement can be a challenging task, but it can be made easier by following some steps and tips, such as doing your homework, being clear and concise, being specific and coherent, being realistic and feasible, and being enthusiastic and confident.

References

Flick, U. (2018). An introduction to qualitative research. Sage Publications Limited.

Aksamija, A. (2020). Research methods for the architectural profession. Routledge.

Groat, L., & Wang, D. (2013). Architectural research methods. John Wiley & Sons.

Creswell, J. W., & Plano Clark, V. L. (2017). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. Sage Publications.