<p>I noticed that people have done independent research without help from any help from professors, instructors, etc. What exactly are the steps to conducting independent research? Do you just choose a topic you like and do research on it? Do you have to create a hypothesis or outline of what you are going to do? What exactly do you do while researching? Take notes? Publish a paper?</p>
<p>What exactly are the steps to conducting independent research? Sorry if I'm overwhelming you with too many questions, but I'd really appreciate input from those of you who have done research by themselves or know the necessary steps.</p>