Getting started with research
Getting Started on Your Research Project
Step 1: Zoom Out! Think of your topic like a camera lens - start with the big picture before zooming in on the details. For example, if you're interested in sports, start with "How has basketball changed?" before zooming in to "How has the three-point line changed basketball strategy?"
Not Sure What Topic to Pick? Ask yourself:
What makes you curious?
What do you want to learn more about?
What topics from class grabbed your attention?
What problems do you see in your community?
Tips for Success:
Keep a "Keywords List" as you read - write down important words and phrases that come up often
Notice when something catches your interest and ask "Why?" and "How?"
Start bigger than you need - it's easier to narrow down than to expand later
Look for topics that have enough information to research
Need Help Getting Organized? Try this simple method:
Write your general topic in the middle of a paper
Draw branches to more specific ideas
Circle the ones that interest you most
Check if you can find information about them
Remember: The best research topics are ones YOU find interesting - you'll be spending time learning about it, so pick something that makes you curious!
The biggest problem a researcher could have is an absent question. Starting with a research question instead of just a topic will make it much easier to come up with a thesis – it will simply be the answer to your question.
Is this a good research question?
1. Does my question allow for many possible answers? Is it flexible and open-ended?
2. Is it testable? Do I know what kind of evidence would allow an answer?
3. Can I break big “why” questions into empirically resolvable pieces?
4. Is the question clear and precise? Do I use vocabulary that is vague or needs definition?
5. Have I made the premises explicit?
6. Is it on a scale suitable to the length of the assignment?
7. Can I explain why the answer matters?
For more guidance, refer to your guide to good research questions.