Just taking that first step of getting started with a research topic can be the most challenging part of the whole endeavor. You may be unsure of where to go, what steps to take and in which order, and how to know that you are on the right track.
This uncertain feeling is completely normal, though! In fact, the very nature of carrying out research is that it starts out a bit vague and you get to make your own decisions about how to better define the task at hand. The process of making something abstract into something more specific and clearly defined is one of the most fun--albeit initially intimidating parts of research!
Explore the boxes below to learn about some foundational approaches and skills you can integrate into your own practice of conducting research. Try out different approaches to see what works best for you.
Effectively communicating your ideas through writing is a foundational aspect of the research process. You can use writing practices and techniques at the onset of the research process as a way to help orient you to your topic, determine your audience, and identify relevant sub-topics and questions to address through your research, and begin outlining.
Explore the resources below to deepen your knowledge and advance your writing skills in preparation of conducting research.
You may be beginning a research task where you get to select your own research topic. Are you not sure how exactly to get started or unsure of whether your topic is too broad or too narrowly defined? Explore the resources below to help you select an effective research topic.