Taking a Plunge Into Research

The process of research can be hectic and frustrating. As you realize you do more research than you think, it becomes a little less intimidating to tackle. When you are trying to find a new restaurant, the perfect sweater, or the person you met last week, you are engaging in research. The difference between the research you are used to doing and what you do for your career and courses is the duration, your interest, and of course, the sources. Here are a few tips that will make your undergraduate research experience a little less daunting, while getting the most bang for your buck.

- Before you begin:

It is important that you know research is a process that can take time, and it is essential that you make use of the allotted time. Know how much time you have and be sure that your project can be completed within the time frame you were given. Remember that you may not always get the results you were anticipating, but that doesn't make the information you acquired null and void. Research is always going to be a journey, and your results may vary in a number of ways.

- Know that it is a process:

A part of this process is brainstorming what it is you would like to know. Do some digging to find what research has already been done on your current topic. This will help you when deciding your questions and hypothesis. Draw an outline and a timeline for your research. The outline should be as detailed as possible, as it will serve as the guideline for your project, assisting you when preparing your literature review.

- Be interested in your topic and the results:

Come up with a few questions that you genuinely want to know the answers to. This will keep you engaged in your research. A good strategy for coming up with your questions is to start off as broad as possible, then add keywords to narrow down what you are asking. Starting broad gives you room to manipulate your questions however you like.

• Ask questions that you genuinely want to know

• Start broad then get specific

- The more sources the better:

While looking into databases to find what research has ​​​​already been done, it is okay to include those sources as references. Be sure to note which side the source is on and be able to explain why or why not it is beneficial to your current research. The more you have to go off of, the easier it will be to write.

Research has the ability to impact the world, which is why you should take it seriously. Research can help you and those around you. Your research can not only strengthen the research of those to follow, but it can also change the way we view our world. As research can help you broaden your knowledge, these tips will help you become a proficient researcher.