Academic Research Booklet

Planning research can feel daunting at the outset however it can be as simple as devising a timeline for completion and asking yourself:

‘What do I already know?’ and ‘Based on what I already know, what do I need to find out?’ To create a timeline for completion start with any deadlines you have been given such as your final hand-in date and work backwards to determine what you need to do and by when to stay on track. The best plans will be detailed (probably even more so than the one on the right below!).

Research potential topics using Wikipedia and simple Google searches

Finalise essay question

Weeks 1&2

Finalise topic and propose question

Week 3

Plan research: write out questions I need answers to and consider where to find the information

Begin research

Week 4

Start reading the author biography

Weeks 4&5

Start writing

Look up definitions of terminology used and key events or people

Week 5

Search for and read articles and essays on my topic

Week 6

Finish writing

Look for book reviews and critiques of the book and the performance

Week 7

Review notes and questions I still need to explore, adapt plan

Complete bibliography

Week 8

Review notes, specifically, make links between sources explored so far and then consider questions I still need to explore.

Week 9

Hand in essay!

Make a basic essay plan and identify what information I still need

Week 10

Research to fill in the gaps in my knowledge

Week 10&11

Review notes and develop essay plan

Week 12