In this blog we start a new series, ‘The A-Z of research’. As you can probably guess from the title, each week we we will work our way through a letter of the alphabet (or as many of them as possible), tackling a different aspect of research. Let’s start at the very beginning (as the song goes) with ‘A’ for activity.
It might sound obvious, but the key to getting started, and successfully continuing with research, is to be as active as possible. This means planning, reading, organising and making notes as often as you can. Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be researching around the clock, but it really does pay to keep the wheels in motion once you get started.
Making a plan can be useful, so why not start by making a list of any important books, articles and chapters you know you would like to read? Perhaps decide on a useful chapter and set aside a couple of hours to read and make notes, or start working your way through that weighty tome you just know you can’t leave out of the proceedings.
However you decide to do it, a little goes a long way when it comes to research. Think, ‘A for activity,’ and set aside a little time each day, however small, to do something towards your big picture. Before you know it you’ll be well on your way.
The Proof Doctor 