Crafting a Research Project: Title, Presentation, Annexes

Crafting a Research Project Title

The project title is a minimal condensation of the project, expressed in a few words. It must clearly convey the core of the research. Here are some priorities to consider:

• Descriptively capture the object of research.
• Identify if the research is part of a larger project.
• Reference the proposed methodological perspective.

The title should provide a clear description of the object of inquiry. A longer, more specific title is preferable to a vague or overly general one. Colons can be used to shorten the title without losing essential information.

Beyond briefly describing the overall project, the title also differentiates it from other potential projects. It should highlight the project's originality, distinguishing it from similar research. The title should also reflect the level of knowledge required for the project and the field it addresses.

Common mistakes to avoid include:

• Using ideologically loaded terms that suggest a predetermined position on the research topic. This can raise suspicion about the objectivity of the study.
• Creating a title without a direct connection to the object of research.

Remember, the title should be descriptive and unbiased.

Presenting the Research Project

The project presentation consists of a few key lines that highlight the project title and place the reader in the situational and institutional context. It should answer questions such as:

• What is the primary institutional motivation for the project?
• In which application or call for integrated research projects does it fit?
• To which institution or charges is the project addressed?

These lines contextualize the project institutionally and temporally. This short presentation is usually accompanied by a brief description of the project structure, referencing its various components. If the project responds to a public call, it may suffice to indicate that it follows the call's requirements.

The project should meet the requirements of the call, but it is even more important to align with the purpose and context of the research.

Project Annexes

The annexes contain information deemed necessary for the project but does not fit into any of the previous sections. This section should be used sparingly, limited to information that serves as:

• Support for arguments used throughout the project (e.g., bibliography, data tables).
• A starting point for establishing contractual relations (e.g., bureaucratic and administrative documents required by public institutions).
• An enhanced presentation of the research team's career and related investigations, including institutions or companies for which they have worked.

Rationale for the Investigation

The rationale should establish the background for the argument that poses the object of investigation. It essentially constructs the object of investigation by addressing four key aspects:

• Its location in the world
• Its importance
• Existing literature on the subject
• Previous empirical studies

This part of the project has two primary functions:

1. Consensual function: It proposes an agreement on a starting point. If no agreement is reached on the context description, it will be difficult to agree on the results. The context can be the first point of agreement between parties and a cornerstone for future agreements on objectives, data, findings, etc.
2. Evaluative function: It proposes a framework and often involves a statement of principles, which usually carries an important assessment of reality. It is crucial to consider that the institution or body receiving the project may not perceive the social reality in the same way. This difference could be the beginning of a fruitful dialogue, but the researchers' perception must be adequately justified.