The Research Checklist

In creating this checklist, I discovered that there are many variables to conducting research on a specific topic and then making sure that all the bases have been covered.

So, I’m going to try and back away a bit from the specifics and just give you a broad understanding of what it takes to prepare to research a topic and how to ensure you’ve met your purpose.

Researching a topic takes up more time than actually writing about it. It’s probably the most significant part of your entire writing project. James Prekeges in Accurate Estimating and Scheduling: You can do it[1] said that “most research shows that a writer spends only 30-50% of the day writing. The rest of the day is spent on tasks such as research, meetings, data entry, proofreading, estimating and scheduling, and administration.”

1. Determine the Purpose of the Research

When doing research you are looking for answers, results, making an evaluation, or establishing a principle. You want to find enough evidence to substantiate a thought you have,  persuade someone to see your side, or even provide evidence to dissuade a group.

For whatever reason you’ve chosen to do research, you must define your purpose. In this article we’ll look at three different purposes for research a topic.

What is the Purpose of Research?

The obvious first response is to that you are seeking an answer to a question. The question can be as simple as “Who killed Abraham Lincoln?” The search for an answer would be very simple. Or, you could get a bit more technical and ask “What does it take to start a saltwater aquarium?” Now, with that question, you research gets more involved. It takes on more meaning and you must expend more energy in finding your answer.

What if you’re not looking for a specific answer, but you are making an evaluation? You may want to determine if all cars equipped with air bags are safer than cars without air bags. Your research would entail safety studies, traffic accident reports, car manufacturer studies, and so much more.

The final purpose you may want to do research for is to establish a principle. For example, my purpose may be that “I will tell you how to become a successful technical writing consultant.” Now, in order to do so, I would have to study all the techniques of those writers who were successful, and those who were not and compile a list of techniques that worked in specific situations. Whew! What a lot of work!

Go To Page: 1 2