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Selecting Your Topic
Pick a Topic, Keep a Topic -- Find the right one the first time: "Starting over is rarely a good idea ... starting right always is" (Rutgers University). START HERE!!!
Choosing a Research Topic -- "How exactly should you go about selecting an appropriate research topic?" (Golden Gate University).
Choosing a Research Topic: Tutorial -- Helping you to choose a topic, define a research question, and "modify your research question to achieve a manageable focus" (American University).
Idea Generator -- "Below you will find a number of broad categories. Click on one to browse through a variety of key words and phrases; then explore the ideas and devise a more specific topic." For students in the sciences and humanities (Old Dominion University).
Finding a Mentor for Independent Research
Finding a Mentor/Advisor -- How to identify, approach, and ask potential faculty mentors (Aresty Research Center). START HERE!!!
Finding a Research Mentor -- Suggestions to "help you arrange a supervised research experience beginning at any time." A few points are specific to Emory programs, but most is universally applicable (Emory University).
Approaching Faculty with your Research Ideas and Interests -- Approaching a faculty member to serve as your research advisor requires careful planning and preparation. URP recommends using a two-visit approach, following the steps outlined below, as you begin to make contact with a potential faculty research advisor (Stanford University).
Emailing Faculty -- How to make first contact if you are unable to do so in person (Tufts University).
Communicating with your Faculty Mentor
How to Get the Most from a Mentor -- Tools and tips including knowing your mentor's specific role/responsibilities, preparing thoroughly for meetings, and following up (Aresty Research Center).
Planning Your Project
Searchpath -- Step-by-step lessons on the entire research process, including topic selection, finding articles, using the web, and citing sources (Rutgers University). START HERE!!!
Assignment Calculator -- A VERY useful tool; you enter the field of study in which you are doing research, the date an assignment is due, and the date you will begin work on it. Based on your entries, it computes a schedule for completion of all stages of the assignment, with relevant links to online resources. You can also choose to be reminded via email of the various stages (University of Minnesota).
Honors Theses -- Introduction to the nature of a thesis, when to start planning, and help with writing (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill).
Library Research Guide -- Interactive modules and worksheets to help you start your research, explore your topic, design a research strategy, conduct the research, evaluate sources and appropriately cite them (University of Minnesota).
Guide to Library Research -- Help with the research process, from choosing a topic to citing sources (Duke University).
International Research Network -- Why conduct international research and helpful tips for the entire process, beginning with planning your coursework appropriately, incorporating study abroad, and choosing a topic (Tufts University).
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