Manage the project - Thinking like a researcher; gathering sources - Research

Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021

Manage the project
Thinking like a researcher; gathering sources
Research

51 Thinking like a researcher; gathering sources

52 Managing information; taking notes responsibly

53 Evaluating sources

51Thinking like a researcher; gathering sources

✵ Sample research calendar

✵ How to enter a research conversation

✵ Widening the research conversation

✵ How to go beyond a Google search

A college research assignment asks you to pose questions worth exploring, read widely in search of possible answers, interpret what you read, draw reasoned conclusions, and support those conclusions with evidence. In short, it asks you to enter a research conversation by being in conversation with other writers and thinkers who have explored and studied your topic. As you listen to and learn from the voices already in the conversation, you’ll find entry points where you can add your own insights and ideas.

Keep an open mind throughout the research process, and enjoy the detective work of finding answers to questions that matter to you. Take time to discover what has been written about your topic and to uncover what’s missing and needs to be questioned and researched.

VIDEO

For more information on research assignments, watch "What is a researched argument?"

51a Manage the project.

When you begin a research project, you will need to understand the assignment, choose a direction, and ask questions about your topic. The following tips will help you manage the beginning phase of research.

Managing time

When you receive your assignment, set a realistic schedule of deadlines. Think about how much time you might need for each step of your project. Consider creating a calendar to map out the tasks for your project, keeping in mind that some tasks might overlap or need to be repeated. See the sample research calendar on the next page.

Sample calendar for a research assignment

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Getting the big picture

As you consider a possible research topic, take time to read a few sources to gain an overview of your topic. Ask yourself questions such as these:

✵ What aspects of the topic are generating the most debate?

✵ Why and how do people disagree?

✵ Which arguments and approaches seem worth exploring?

Keeping a research log

Research is a process. As your topic evolves, you may find yourself asking new questions that require you to create a new search strategy, find additional sources, or revise your initial assumptions. A research log — a hard-copy notebook or a digital file — helps you maintain records of the sources you read and your questions and ideas about those sources.