<p>So many of cc-ers seem to be involved in research. I've never done research myself and am very curious about how it works and what you guys do. Can any of you tell me briefly about how research works? (ie. about thinking up an idea to research about, where/how to get the financial support/equipment, how to go about researching, etc.) Isn't it kind of hard when you haven't really done much of college level courses? =)</p>
<p>A lot of research is done with a mentor at a local university. As far as an idea goes, what are you interested in? You can do research in whatever you want, just find a professor in a subject area you're into. Then look at their webpage to get some idea of the kinds of things that professors do at that schoool. Financial support/equipment is not really your job if you get a professor to help you. You should discuss with them what they expect of you in those terms once you enter their lab. All of graduate level research done at universities is over the heads of high school students. Research is highly regarded on resumes because there's a lot of self-study required. Does that answer your question?</p>
<p>thanks................! =)</p>
<p>I agree. Science offers a lot of independence. Professors can assign a part of the project they are working on to students and leave them to their own. Most of their time will be spent repeating the same procedures, anyways, simply due to the trial-and-error nature of science. Professors can take an hands-off approach as a mentor. </p>
<p>Conducting a research project is not that difficult, but developing an idea, creating a procedure, and having detailed knowledge of the subject matter is. It takes creativity to do those things. When asking the professor I worked with this summer how was he able to come up with his thesis, he said that it required an open-mind to find something research-worthy that no one else has undertaken. Here's what the steps she took: </p>
<p>1.) Familiarize your self with a general field of science, such as biochem or bio-organic.</p>
<p>2.) Learn the major concepts, ones that are being examined through research, within that field. It would be advisable to look into the websites of professors for some good ideas. Don't let the jargon scare you, though. Their projects are more understandable than you may think at first. </p>
<p>3.) Once you've found a concept that you're interested in, that you think have worth-while applications, congratulations. You've passed a big hurdle. Now, read all the literature you can find on the subject. Ask yourself "if this scientist did this and it didn't work, then what can I do to produce better results?" or "Has anyone ever thought about conducting the project including this variable and taking into account this and that instead?" or maybe you'll stumble upon a project totally inspired by something you did or read already. Do you understand? </p>
<p>4.) Once you've found a topic and got your hypothesis. Create a procedure. Remember when I said to get familiar with publication and concepts about your project. Well, the info you get will really come in handy. Look at the procedures other researchers created and see how they came up with those. A lot of the time, scientists include certain methods in their projects, too, that you can apply to yours. </p>
<p>5.) This should be done earlier, but now's a good time to contact professors specializing in your field of interest at a college. Ask them whether they could mentor you and if you can loose their lab facilities. Approach them as a professional. Explain your objectives and your research plan. Make sure they have a good idea of what your doing and what you need them for. </p>
<p>6.) Finally, if everything goes well, you can conduct your research and, maybe, even participate in some science fairs with it. </p>
<p>I hope this has been helpful. I wrote this in a hurry, so some parts may not be clear. And, even if you don't want to conduct your own research, you can still contact professors to see if you can get involve with theirs. If you show yourself as mature, interested, and diligent, several may be willing to take you in. Again, I hope this is helpful.</p>