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This workshop provides guidance on initiating an undergraduate research project. Learn to identify a research idea, collaborate effectively, take responsibility, seek support, and present findings. Brainstorm topics, form groups, and explore ideas to jump-start your research journey.
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Developing a Research Project Kenneth Gray, PhD Psi Beta Dorothy I. Mitstifer, PhD Kappa Omicron Nu
The Research Idea • KISS • Keep It Simple, Student. • Identify something of interest to you. • Prepare to solve one piece of a problem. • Realistic expectations—Can you reasonably accomplish it?
Learn How to Collaborate • Novice researchers develop best under the apprenticeship system of learning. • Research is a creative enterprise; it is myth that creative work usually emerges from the mind of one person. • Collaboration can occur with peers in a course setting or with an experienced researcher.
Assume Responsibility • Undergraduate research is a boon to your academic record, BUT……… • Research projects require a self-imposed • Plan of action to structure the work and • Deadlines. • Accountability for process and content. • Mutual respect among collaborators, whether co-researchers or advisers. • Respect for boundaries.
Research requires vision and discipline, but you need not rely solely on your own resources. Look for opportunities and resources in your unit or the university: Complete research as an Independent Study. Apply for research grants or awards. Apply for research assistantships. Volunteer to assist a professor. Convert a class project into research. Complete a service learning experience as research. Take a course in Research Methods. Look for Support
Present & Publish Your Findings • If the research is worth doing, it is worth going beyond the research report. • The Undergraduate Research Community (URC) offers an annual Undergraduate Research Conference for the Human Sciences. • URC sponsors the Undergraduate Research Journal for the Human Sciences. • For more information, see www.kon.org and click on Undergraduate Research Community at the bottom of the Home Page.
Workshop: Developing a Research Idea • Brainstorm ideas for research topics – Record on flip chart. • Vote on two highest priorities. • Form groups for the top 3-5 topics. • Each group explore the topic to • Agree on a research idea. • Identify next steps based upon the previous presentation. • Share highlights with the whole group.
Summary • This short workshop was intended to jump-start your thinking about undergraduate research. • Perhaps one or more of the ideas will find research “adopters,” but the important outcome is awareness of how to develop a research project: Identify research idea; Learn how to collaborate; Assume responsibility; Look for support; and Present & publish your findings.