Seeing research as hiking

It starts with reading the landscape to know where you are going. Given the many options available for hiking, you need to determine which route to take considering your interests and capacity. Time is always limited to do all that you need hence careful planning is essential. On the day, the crisp morning air fills your lungs as you lace up your boots. You glance at the map, a tangle of lines promising adventure, and take your first step onto the trailhead. Researching, in many ways, mirrors the exhilarating yet challenging experience of a long hike. In the photo above, the CZA-Tanzania research team prepares to hike Udzungwa Mountains as an important adventure in the middle of learning and team building on 9th March 2025. Umoja is our shield. Literally, the team is determined to go far together.

 Essential Hiking (as Researching) Gear

•    A solid map (literature review): represent a comprehensive understanding of the existing landscape
•   Sturdy boots to confront the muds (methodology): represent robust and reliable approach to data collection and analysis
•    A compass (critical thinking): the ability to navigate complex information and maintain direction
•    Skills to navigate water and snacks: entails the patience and perseverance to sustain the long and hilly journey
•    A Sense of Adventure: curiosity to drive you to explore the unknown.

 The Initial Ascent: Defining the Path
Just as a hiker must choose a trail, a researcher must define the questions. This initial phase, often daunting, involves sifting through existing literature, identifying gaps in knowledge, and formulating clear, concise research questions. The map, in this case, is the body of existing research, and the trailhead is the specific area you've chosen to explore. You might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information, but remember, every hike starts with a single step and excitement gets better with the covered height. 

The Trek: Gathering and Analyzing Data

The hike unfolds, and you encounter varying terrain: steep inclines, rocky paths, and smooth, gentle slopes. This mirrors the data collection and analysis phase of research. You might encounter unexpected obstacles, like technical difficulties or inconclusive results, or you might find yourself on a smooth, productive path, discovering insightful patterns. Each step, each data point, contributes to the overall journey.

The Unexpected Detours: Adapting and Overcoming

Sometimes, the trail takes an unexpected turn. A fallen tree blocks the path, or a sudden storm forces you to seek shelter. In research, these detours are inevitable. Your initial hypothesis might be disproven, or your chosen methodology might prove inadequate. Just as a hiker must adapt, a researcher must be flexible, willing to revise their approach, and embrace the unexpected. These detours can often lead to even more significant discoveries.

The Summit: Reaching Conclusions and Sharing the View

Finally, after a long and arduous journey, you reach the summit. The panoramic view stretches out before you, a breathtaking reward for your efforts. In research, this is the culmination of your work: drawing conclusions, interpreting your findings, and sharing your results with the world. The summit is your published paper, your presentation, your contribution to the collective knowledge.

The Descent: Reflecting and Planning the Next Adventure

As you descend, you reflect on the journey, the challenges overcome, and the lessons learned. Similarly, after completing a research project, you evaluate your process, consider the implications of your findings, and identify potential areas for future research. The descent is the reflection phase, where you glean insights for the next hike, the next research adventure.

Researching, like hiking, is a journey of discovery, filled with challenges and rewards. It requires preparation, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace the unexpected. So, lace up your boots, grab your map, and embark on your next research adventure. The view from the summit is worth the climb.

Thanks to our team leader Prof. Christine Noe for stretching our minds to think about hiking as a research process.

 

Note: Tryphone is a master's student in the Tanzanian Critical Zones site, led by Professor Christine Noe