When planning a hike, look at a map to see the "big picture" of where you plan to hike and areas to avoid.
The same is true when planning a research project.
Make sure you see the big picture of what is involved.
What are the expectations of the project?
What is the scope of the project?
Read Chapters 3 and 4 of The Craft of Research
1, "Finding a Topic for a First Research Project in a Particular Field
Start by listing topics relevant to your particular class and that interest you, then narrow them to one or two promising ones. If the topic is general, such as religious masks, you’ll have to do some random reading to narrow it. But read with a plan:
When you know the general outline of your topic and how others have narrowed theirs, try to narrow yours. If you can’t, browse through journals and websites until your topic becomes more clearly defined. That takes time, so start early."
Read chapter 3 of The Craft of Research for more detailed concrete steps and suggestions.
2. Develop a question
3. State the significance of the topic. Why is important to study the topic you identified?
Booth, Wayne C., et al. The Craft of Research, University of Chicago Press, 2016. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/spu/detail.action?docID=4785166.
Created from spu on 2021-01-26 10:33:28.
Consider what tools and resources you will need for your project.
So, make a plan. (Right click and click on "Open link in new tab" in order to not lose track of the Managing Research Projects subject guide)
Talk to a librarian to help guide you on resources you should consider consulting.
For concrete details and suggestions, read Chapter 5, "From Problems to Resources," in The Craft of Research
Research is not only messy, it can be emotionally taxing.
Be aware of your thoughts, feelings, and actions as you begin the search for information. Dr. Carol Kuhlthau, Professor Emerita at Rutgers University, developed this 6 stage model to explain the affective (feelings), cognitive (thoughts) and physical (actions) common to each stage of researching.