Getting started with page one in the archive, in Seville this summer (photo credit: Sarah Bryden).
It’s been somewhat surprising to me that, in my final year at Columbia, I’ve begun several new research projects. This has entailed a recent flurry of background research, grant applications, and “statement of purpose” drafting. In this, I’ve been reminded that getting started is a labor-intensive process, and arguably the most difficult aspect of doing research. After four years, it’s also become a more-familiar process to me, even if I still have a lot to learn. The goal of this blog post is to pass on some of this familiarity, and offer encouragement to anyone feeling overwhelmed, lost, or tired at the start of a new research project.
The difficulties of beginning a research project are many: you have to read previous scholarship, find a gap to address, and make a concrete plan for filling that gap. All of this is time consuming, and it can be anxiety-inducing to put yourself in conversation with seasoned scholars and try saying something new. Moreover, you may also be applying for grants, fellowships, or other funding sources in order to make your project possible; needless to say, this adds another level of anxiety. Almost always, getting started with a research project means worriedly wondering whether your research question makes sense, whether your proposed methodology will work, whether any of your funding will pan out, and whether you will actually find anything interesting.
In this uncertain stage, my first (and probably most important) suggestion is to relax, as best as possible. Try to recall the curiosity and excitement that brought you to your research question in the first place. You can also try to find some solace in the fact that there is no perfect research plan, and that the initial stage is difficult for everybody. If background reading and grant writing is not the most exciting part of your research, look forward to your time in the lab, library, or field! You can also try some of these more practical suggestions:
- Talk to experts – Professors and/or professionals in your field can direct you to books, resources, and funding sources that can help you plan your research. Be mindful of peoples’ workloads, but don’t worry about knowing “enough” to reach out; chances are, you’ll never feel like you know enough, and talking with experts can be especially helpful at the beginning stages, anyway.
- Read widely – In addition to reading previous scholarship in your discipline, consider exploring how other disciplines handle your topic. Often, neighboring disciplines will be asking questions or using methods that aren’t used in your discipline. For my senior thesis, I’ve been reading primarily within the discipline of history, but two of my most-referenced books come from other disciplines (namely theology and linguistic anthropology).
- Consider your position as the researcher – Based on your personal combination of experiences, skills, and worldviews, you will approach your topic in a particular way. From this position, you can make a novel contribution. Maybe you have a personal connection to the research question, which will allow you access to certain resources or individuals; maybe you don’t have a personal connection, which will afford you some critical distance and objectivity. Knowing your angle from the beginning can make it easier to identify your contribution.
- Give yourself some slack – Remember that research plans are supposed to change, as a function of doing research and learning new things. You can’t plan for every step of the project, because the fundamental idea is that you are venturing into the unknown. However, you can make a flexible plan, giving yourself enough time to think things through thoroughly and meet smaller deadlines along the way.
Good luck!