4 Dealing with choices, changes and challenge during research

Figure 7 A research journey is unlikely to be a straightforward one

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This is a photograph of a road which leads into the distance and a mountainous landscape. There is a yellow, kite-shaped road sign in the foreground which has an arrow which bends to the right, and a smaller yellow black sign underneath..

Figure 7 A research journey is unlikely to be a straightforward one

Hold on tight, because there will be bumps in the road!

In practice you will need to make choices as researcher, however well you have planned your research. Accepting that there are choices for you to help deal with unexpected challenges provides you with opportunities to show flexibility and resilience in progressing your research. Whether these are minor or major challenges, you will still have to maintain your research relationships with respect and sincerity and ensure your research is valid and transparent.