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.
