Research maybe a time-consuming intellectual pursuit, but making timely and well-thought decisions make the entire process smooth. Listed are four key reserach decisions that will shape your research!

Think loud - Are you the person who religiously browse multiple sites and raid fashion stores to get the dream dress and heavenly sandals? Or are you a person who can taste and tell-tale the difference between the two food chains' spicy medium cheese pizza?

Think again- Didn't that require immense patience, continuous practice, an inquisitive mind, a clear vision, and decisive power?

Now, how is research different? Moreover, how is it not a fit for you?

The success of research lies in understanding places where things could go wrong and taking extra measures to avoid it. Will you select a look-a-like of the dream dress if the material is not waterproof or wrinkle-free?

Listed below are four critical areas that can either shape or destroy your research. Provided are a few do's & don't that will help you make logical and practicable decisions.

DECISION AREA 1: Defining Problem-Statement

Problem-statement is like a foundation of research. The stronger the reason and understanding of the problem, the more precise the solution and action plan you devise. If you go wrong here, then the entire research process will be like a house of cards.

Do's

• First & foremost identify the 'problem.'

  • Read research articles vigorously/gain first-hand experience/ or discuss with experts to understand the spectrum of difficulties.

  • Scavenge over reports detailing unsuccessful attempts. Figure out what will work and what will not. List the pros and cons of each solution.

• Frame a problem-statement (think out load while drafting it!)

-what is the context and problem, and why is it a problem? -where is the problem? -what sort of problem-is this a technical/process/action/financial/health/social/so on forth? - who is directly and indirectly affected

Don'ts

• Never choose multiple problem but 'a' problem for your research (e.g. Non-synthetic yellow dye)

• Dont go all broad but be specific and choose a particular niche as your topic.(e.g. Cartoneoid bacterial pigment)

• Never rush to define a problem-statement (take your own sweet time!)

• Once you finalize the problem-statement, DO NOT deviate or rework the problem-statement every six weeks or whenever you feel 'this' parameter could be considered.

DECISION AREA 2: AOG (Aim, Objectives, Goals)

This defines the intent and end goal of research. The entire research activity is planned to prove the objectives and make enough goals for others to aim. The objectives should reflect on possible actions that will be carried out to deal with the problem. If you go wrong here, the entire frame of the research goes for a toss.

Do's

• List and stick to a maximum of 3-4 objectives

• Must have a clear distinction between aim and objective

• Should draw a parallel between Objectives & Output; Aim & Outcome.

The output is an immediate/short-term goal

Outcome is a long-term goal.

Deliverable are all the outputs of the results both tangible or intangible

• Tangible : product/publication/manual

• Intangible : plan or operation procedures/collaborations/ building connections/ sense of happiness and success

Don'ts

• Do not make a play of words or repeat the same thing in aim and objectives

• Each objective should be distinct. Research must map a research procedure for fulfilling each aim.

• Do not go beyond four objectives

• Do not write a long paragraph. Make it concise to a single sentence

Long sentence : Sample collection, isolation, enrichment, screening, characterization of microbes capable of producing gelatinase through biochemical and molecular methods

Vs.

Short sentence: Isolation and polyphasic characterization of gelatinase producing microbes.

• Do not propose futuristic plans in objectives (Mention only those that you can achieve in this current work not across your life-time)

• Do not misinterpret deliverable and outcome.

Your ultimate outcome is not a reserach publication but an improved method or product

DECISION AREA 3: Samples

The solution to a research problem is proved through samples. Selecting the quality and quantity helps in estimating the success and percentage of success. If you mix-up the samples or execute only a fraction of the samples collected, the result is incomplete, made-up, unethical, and the AOG is not justified.

Do's

• Never gamble with samples. Label them properly!

• Keep a neat record of the sample source, coordinates, number of samples per location, date of sample collection, how it was stored, and when it was processed?

• Consider a minimum of 5, 10, or 30 diverse sample locations depending on the type and duration of research. (need not stick to these exact digits- remember that the number should be reasonable to provide a wide range of sample pool for comparative study and statistical analysis)

• Always compare with a standard.

If you are working on a thermostable red-colored pigment; compare it with standard or temperature resistant red-colored microbial pigment.

• Do have a control (literally, figuratively & experimentally!) sample.

Don'ts

• Do not restrict yourself to one sample location/sample unless it is a mini-project or training session

• Do not forget to document the collection date and proper numbering of samples

• Never forget to have and run standards and control with your test samples

DECISION AREA 4: Method and Methodology

This is where the entire action of research happens. Make a detailed research plan, refer, compare, discuss to finalize the methods and techniques to attain the objectives framed. If you go wrong here, it wastes time, effort, resources, and samples.

Do's

• Always run tests in triplicates

• Create a detailed research storyboard providing a frame to frame detail of what and how the entire research will be carried out.

- The list of experiments/order of performing experiments.

- Requirements: chemicals/reagents/sample quantity.

- Plan methods in phases with clear timelines.

• Preorder chemicals and reagents to prevent lag-time

• Do an extensive search and figure out 'why' and 'which' technique you need to employ.

• Be clear why you chose this method(s)/technique(s).

Method/Technique 1 tells you the structure and the physical property of the dye

Method/Technique 2 shows that the dye has this particular functional property.

Method/Technique 3 helps to confirm the presence of a particular functional group, which gives a particular functional property

So and so forth……

Dont's

• Do not work on an obsolete method/technique

• Do not do a comparative study of obsolete vs. the 'new' technique. That's not your aim!

• Do not end up comparing multiple methods/techniques which gives the same result

e.g., Using Nanodrop and UV-spectrophotometer to tell the purity of DNA - waste of time and reagents!