Embarking on a research project…or research for the absolute novice

Research can be a difficult area for the novice to break into. A number of different obstacles face the new researcher, starting with selecting a suitable supervisor, writing a workable protocol and obtaining permissions from all the relevant organisations. This beginner's guide walks the fledging researcher through the required steps, including formulating a research question, designing a protocol and completing the Integrated Research Application System form to obtain the required permissions. The aim is to demystify the terms used in research and expose some of the pitfalls the authors experienced so that others can avoid them! Although challenges can arise throughout the research process, we aim to help you get underway.