The Worst Way to Approach a Research Project

by Timothy Howe

Start by gathering "enough" data
Research implies gathering data. One temptation to be resisted is thinking that there is such a thing as "enough" data. No amount of information will ever seem like enough. It is not even possible to determine what constitutes "enough" during the research stage. Certainly, gathering a large volume of data is important, but avoid determining in advance what amount will be sufficient. 


Expect the research to organize itself
A sure way to bog down in a project is to permit the data to dictate the research process. This will lead the researcher down whatever trail the research leads instead of gathering the most important information for the project. Instead, start with an outline and stick with the outline. Only veer off it when it proves untenable. Good organization will cause good research.


Don't worry about the context of your quotes
Quotations are important since they give authority to your work, whether in support of your argument or as an argument to counter. But ignoring the context of the quote could affect understanding. Each quote originates in  a field that gives it meaning. Be sure to not strip the quote out of that field without its reinforced meaning.  


Don't verify if you are quoting the author's idea correctly
More dire than ignoring context, the researcher could misrepresent the ideas of the original source. Not all information is easy to process and it is easy to misunderstand ideas. As one quotes experts, it is vitally important to get the facts right. Poor quality control at this stage could nullify a research project. 


Find the hidden "gems"
Research is about hard work. There are rarely moments when a researcher happens upon a special "gem" that fills in all the gaps. The end product comes about as the result of persistence and tenacity. Hope will never be a replacement for effort.


Research possesses a time element. Thus it is crucial to get the right data, get it into some order, verify it and get to hard work quickly. 

On Not Quitting

by Sharon Warkentin Short

            Seven years ago, on my first visit to the campus where I eventually completed my Ph.D., I had the opportunity to sit in on one of the classes. It happened to be the first session of the term, and in his introductory remarks to the students the professor offered this simple counsel: The key to getting a Ph.D. is to not quit. I reflected on that bit of wisdom many times throughout my journey to graduation, and it occurred to me that it is equally valid advice for recent graduates like me who are in the process of building their academic careers. 

            Following graduation a little over a year ago, I launched a personal campaign to determine exactly what I wanted to do with my shiny new Ph.D., and to develop a plan for making my vision happen. After only a few months of concentrated full-time effort, my spouse was unexpectedly unemployed, and in order for us to make ends meet I had to take a wage-earning job immediately. I was frustrated and disappointed that so many hours of my days suddenly had to be devoted to work other than my academic career, and I was anxious for the day to come when I could get back to what I really wanted to do. The months wore on, and nothing changed.

            I finally realized that I did not need to, nor should I, wait until our lives were “back on track” before continuing to work on my own future career. Even if I could work on career development for only an hour a day—even if it should take two years instead of one to get started in a teaching job—even if my situation never returned to the ease that I had enjoyed before—even then, I could continue to build toward an academic profession. The key was simply to not quit. It sounds easy and obvious, but for me that realization was a terrific breakthrough. It freed me to stop waiting and get moving, to stop being discouraged and start being hopeful, to get excited again about the work I want to do.

            Now I am back in the process of creating a comprehensive plan for finding potential schools and programs, identifying and initiating contacts with key people at these institutions, preparing job search documents, and establishing my professional reputation through publications and presentations. The circumstances within which I am working on all these projects are not ideal, but then circumstances rarely are. The point is to keep moving forward in spite of setbacks and complications. This perspective carried me through a six-year doctoral program, and I am confident that it will bring me to a satisfying teaching career as well.

            Footnote: As part of my career development plan, I have joined the first cohort of The Academii, and this online mentorship is giving me great inspiration, support, and guidance!