There are so many different ways to approach a research problem. Some approach it theoretically, while others take a practical approach. Others use a disciplinary lens or an interdisciplinary lens. I cannot cover all the different approaches here, but what I can do is explain how to approach problem solving with an intersectional lens. This involves understanding two concepts — critical inquiry and critical praxis. While interrelated, each concept is unique.

Questions are fundamental to research. Writing is fundamental to research. In my opinion, there is a very not-so-good trend in graduate programs where students are being encouraged to submit their dissertations to professional editors to “help” with finalizing their work. There are even websites now that tell students “you can hire professional academic proofreaders and copyeditors.” I have tried to discourage this practice with my graduate students (some listen to the advice, others do not) for one major reason.

This topic can elicit two reactions out of people. Either it strikes fear or it confuses. After taking a graduate class on this topic, some even feel like they don’t like research at all. I completely understand where all these perspectives are coming from. But here’s the reality, understanding your research philosophy and the two concepts that underpin it — epistemology and ontology — are like learning the fundamentals of driving.

Defining a research problem has to be one of the most difficult parts of the research process. How do you determine if your topic is “researchable?” What makes a project a research project? What does it mean to define a research problem? It doesn’t matter your level of training — from students to faculty, organizations to governments — defining a problem is difficult, but like scaling a mountain, it is not impossible.

I’m not going to lie, I love theory. But I’ve always understood theory, and the reasons why it matters to any research project. Without a theoretical point of view, “research” is not really research in terms of problem solving, critical inquiry, or scholarly study. Without theory, your “research” should be called an investigation. So, for example, if you wake up one morning and your pinky toe is swollen, you might declare “I need to research this symptom.” What you are really saying is, you are going to Google “swollen toe” and then read a bunch of stuff to confirm or rule out possible issues.