What is the state of art in a research process? (From the look of Sociology students at the Universidad Nacional in Costa Rica)

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to present the results of an academic exercise that was developed for the undergraduate students of the career of Sociology. During their process of preparing the research proposal, they formulated the state of art based on a methodological guide elaborated by the professor. This guide helped them to elaborate the state of art section, so they generated the necessary inputs for a critical analysis of research lines, referred to the authors’ proposals, both in contrast as meeting points, leading to the construction of new knowledge from the critical reflection of previous research. It allows to guide problematizations in diverse research topics with theoretical support. Also, it allows the opening of new lines of research for other professionals to continue investigating.The exercise allowed students, in a
theoretical and practical way, to elaborate in a methodical and structured way the section corresponding to the different topics of interest. This contributes to identify lines of investigation, which allowed students to problematize according to their diverse interests.There are many guidelines that refer to the state of art, however the aim of this proposal is to point out some aspects and processes that people who initiate in the research process should consider when they begin with the elaboration of this section.