<p>Hey for those of you who have done research, or applied to a research summer program, how did you come up with your research ideas? For example, my best subject is probably math (taking a college math class), and then science, but I can't think of any research ideas? Like specifically, what sub-field of math and science? How can I think of a subject in math or science that is specific, and also suitable for me to do and enjoy doing? Thanks!</p>
<p>Idk, the research I'm doing is quite modest, but my idea came from observation. I was in a mindset for it though, I was looking for a question to answer. So do that I guess.</p>
<p>Read already published research journals/articles and attempt to expand on the work you observe!</p>
<p>^Is there a good website for doing so?</p>
<p>There is no one website to look at, considering there are hundreds of journals. Look up journals in your area of interest. For example, if you are interested in statistics, look up "statistics journals", if you are interested in cardiology, look up "American Heart Association Journals", etc. Once you have the journals (most are online), you can begin you research.</p>
<p>However, from my personal experience I don't think that one can look at any journal, or waltz into any laboratory setting, and just come up with an idea to research without a lot of background. It took me three years of studying before I was ready to understand most of the medical journals I read and to come up with an idea on my own. Research isn't just the act of carrying out experiments; rather, it is everything from reading textbooks, talking to professionals with experience, reading medical journals/other publications, and then, after all of that which should take some time, finally finding a lab, clinic, or other area that is willing to allow you to research your own ideas.</p>
<p>Above I was referencing doing original research (first author, primary investigator, etc). It is a lot easier to find a university and just contact somebody doing research and seeing if they need help. You won't get all of the prestige of being the lead of a project, but you will learn a lot and perhaps even get your name on a paper or two. This can be easily accomplished by contacting profs at local universities, applying for internships at universities, or applying for internships at hospitals. Good luck with starting that research!</p>
<p>thanks!!! 10char</p>
<p>arXiv.org</a> e-Print archive has a whole bunch of math papers, and other closely related subjects.</p>
<p>^thanks a bunch guys for the advice.</p>
<p>interesting</p>