Research goes beyond drafting a paper on a specific question or gathering data to support a claim. It encompasses pursuing new knowledge and examining existing theories, aiming to address global challenges and contribute to advancing a particular field or discipline. Across all areas, research has consistently been crucial in uncovering innovative concepts and theories that enhance our understanding of the world. Although conducting research may initially seem intimidating, it is more manageable than you might expect. With the help of the right mentor, professor or professional organization, you can begin your research journey by mastering the essential processes starting today.
Interested in learning more? Here are some tips for undergraduates and graduate students looking to start their research journey.
Tip #1 – Start by Exploring Your Interests
- Identify Your Passion: Think about the subjects or areas that excite you the most. Research is most engaging when you’re passionate about the topic, especially if it’s geared toward a world or societal problem like inner-city poverty, social injustices, healthcare misconceptions, misinformation in the news and the latest energy technologies.
Tip #2 – Reach Out to Professors or Researchers
- Be Proactive and Ask for Opportunities: Contact professors whose work interests you and express your enthusiasm for research. Professors often welcome eager students and may have research positions or projects for you to join, even if no formal research positions are advertised. By showing interest and initiative, you might be asked if you can assist with ongoing projects or start a smaller independent project alongside your professor, depending on your skill set.
Tip #3 – Take Advantage of Research Programs
- Research Programs, Competitions and Conferences: Many universities, like ACU, offer student research programs that might include summer internships or specialized fellowships. These programs are great places to start looking for academic opportunities where you can present your work, learn from others and compete for grants and scholarships. Interested in seeing if ACU Online has any? Contact our Student Engagement Manager today.
Tip #4 – Leverage Online Resources and Databases
- Review Course Materials: Look for any topics you find intriguing in your classes and explore them further. This is pretty easy if you plan to use the ACU Brown Library, where you can research the latest publications and articles related to your question or topic of interest. Platforms like Google Scholar, JSTOR and ResearchGate allow you to explore existing research that can inspire your own ideas and help you stay up-to-date with current trends and emerging research fields.
Tip #5 – Develop Your Research Skills
- Work on Your Methodology Skills: Familiarize yourself with research methods and data analysis techniques. Many students start by learning how to conduct literature reviews, analyze data and write reports. Many universities and academic learning platforms like LinkedIn Learning and Coursera offer online workshops to help students with research skills, such as academic writing, statistical analysis and presentation techniques.
Tip #6 – Seek Out Mentorship
- Find a Research Mentor: Identify someone in your department (a professor, graduate student or postdoctoral researcher) who can offer guidance and advice as you begin your research journey. Having a mentor who can review your work, provide constructive feedback and guide you through challenges is invaluable – and might even help you become a more well-rounded professional and scholar in the long run.
Tip #7 – Be Patient and Stay Curious
- Embrace the Learning Process: Research can be slow and often frustrating but staying curious and persistent is essential. Every discovery, whether big or small, contributes to your growth as a researcher and student. Taking things slow and steady is vital alongside a seasoned researcher who can help guide you through it all.
- Be Ready to Fail: Sometimes research doesn’t go as planned, and that’s okay! Failure can be a valuable learning opportunity. Maybe your question is too specific or your survey didn’t have the responses you were looking for. No matter what part failed, you can always get back on track and try again.
Abilene Christian University (ACU) is setting its sights on becoming a Research One institution, a prestigious designation that recognizes universities with high levels of research activity. By expanding its research infrastructure, fostering innovative collaborations and investing in academic development, ACU aims to elevate its reputation and create more opportunities for students and faculty to engage in groundbreaking research.
Getting involved in research starts with you. Don’t let the chance to advance knowledge, solve real-world problems and prepare for the rapidly changing world pass you by. Begin your academic journey with ACU Online today. Visit our website today and talk with one of our admissions advisors.
