Students often get so overwhelmed when assigned with a research project that they behave like the proverbial chicken with its head cut off, running around in all directions without making any real progress.
It’s important to remember that any research project is really just a series of steps. If you break it down into small, concrete steps, it will be much easier. Now, I’m not saying a research paper will ever be totally easy or fun for that matter, but it will be doable.
So what’s the first step?
· Take a deep breath, relax, and look carefully at the assignment. Make sure you completely understand all the requirements. Be sure you can answer all of the following questions:
o When is the due date? Are there interim due dates involved? (articles turned in, rough drafts, etc.)
o What are the page or word requirements?
o What is the format? (MLA, APA, etc)
o How many sources are required?
o What kinds of sources are required? For example, should you use popular or scholarly periodicals?
o What exactly are you being asked to do? There are many options. Here are a few common assignment types:
§ Comparison/Contrast. Show how two ideas are alike and different, and then show which is preferable.
§ Analyze. Investigate something to show its strengths and weaknesses.
§ Take a position on a controversial topic.
· One of the key elements of the first step is to make sure you understand the assignment. If you don’t, talk to your instructor. Being clear about what is required at the beginning will save you much time and anguish later on.
JollyLibrarian 