Transcript Board Nurturance - Kappa Omicron Nu

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.
Look for Support
•
•
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.
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.