Building a Body of Knowledge & Focusing Your Research

First: Research

• Find a base--angle from which you will start
• Take notes: what are emerging themes?
• What does the research say?

Generative

Research should be generative--that is, it should help you focus your ideas and narrow your attention in regards to your subject. It should not be your argument.

Informative

Research should be informative--that is, it should build a base of knowledge and define terms for your research project. It should not be the main source of your information.

I have a subject,

...so, what do I research?

Interests
Gaps

Opportunities

Knowledge

You build a body of knowledge in order not just to learn, but to find a way into the subject you've chosen.

What hasn't been written? What gaps are in the research? What new angles can you enter from?

Focus

Do not worry about a thesis or exact theory of the subject, yet. Research first, narrow your subject's focus, & find an angle.

Take notes from your research. Highlight major lines, definitions, etc.

Research as Toolbox

Function, not Form

Start here.