Ten tips for a successful research project

Writing a long essay or research project can be daunting. Follow these ten steps to complete a successful project.

1. Get well organised from the start (time, technology, information storage, study desk and chair, limited interruptions, surroundings conducive to study). The better organised you are, the easier it will be to efficiently complete your research project.
2. Keep a notebook or e-notebook listing useful books, journals and websites, and a daily log of your research activity. Include ideas and practical tips as you discover them. This will save time later, as you progress to the writing stage. It’s surprising what you purge from your memory if you forget to record it.
3. In your own words, write the main points of the arguments of articles and book chapters as you read them. Note the relevance to your research, linking to related literature and ideas (otherwise you may not later recall the relevance). Return to these notes to strengthen your argument and conclusions.
4. As you read, collect examples of excellent prose structure, tables of contents, and/or how to present the results of research. Use these as models of best practice for structuring and writing your own work.
5. Create deadlines for each stage of your research and writing. Regularly monitor your progress, adjusting the work plan and setting new goals as necessary. Reward yourself when you complete a significant milestone in the project.
6. Where appropriate, consider how group work might contribute to a better research project. Share challenges, tips and strategies with fellow students; discuss what works and doesn’t work; learn and develop your research and writing skills; share resources. Remember that you’re not alone.
7. Give yourself permission to make mistakes. Perfection is the enemy of creativity and productivity, and seeking perfection will reduce your capacity to complete your project on time. As they say, “Don’t get it right, get it written.” Paper is cheap; use it well. You can revise and edit later.
8. Some days your brain needs a break from the cognitive heavy lifting and intensive study activity. Use such times for tasks such as checking quotations and bibliographic referencing, filing, record-keeping, and other necessary but menial tasks. Your future self will thank you for it – perhaps as soon as tomorrow.
9. As well as receiving feedback on sections or individual chapters of your long essay, thesis or dissertation, seek feedback on the work as a whole from your supervisors and peers.
10. Never underestimate the time you will need to format, edit and revise your final draft – and printing and binding the work if required.

Dr Rod Benson is Research Support Officer at Moore Theological College, Sydney.