So, You're a Researcher Now?

Congratulations on deciding to do your "own" research! Research is an exciting vocation that can be very rewarding. However, before beginning to research, the following points need to be addressed.

#1 - What is your background and research question?

As you are already aware, research is a rigorous process of contributing knowledge under the scrutiny of an academic community. Since you are at the stage of doing your own research, you will undoubtedly have years of preparation under your belt. Of course, it's not like you will attempt scientific research with a humanities background (hahaha). However, it's still essential to have a narrow research question that suits the discipline you have developed. Knowing your limitations as a researcher is critical. Humility and narrowness will prevent you from inadvertently...well, there is no kind way of saying this, looking foolish. Remember the wisdom of Socrates: "I know that I know nothing."

#2 - What is your bias?

I realize this is kind of a "research 101" thing, but it's easy for personal bias to seep into your research. What life experiences have you had that might cloud your research? Even the most professional and adept researcher is prone to the problem of personal bias. Does personal experience prompt your investigation? Of course, this is OK. It can be a robust motivating factor. Nonetheless, personal experience is the least reliable source of information. Remember to stand on the shoulders of giants, or you won't stand at all. Be willing to change your mind when following the evidence.

#3 - What are your sources and methods?

Again - research 101. Of course, if you're doing your own research, I don't need to tell you that if your references are filled with websites, blog articles, and social media links, you have no business using the word research. Using the word research has meaning. Use it correctly, or don't use it all. Sure, a blog article might raise an interesting point or question, but then comes the heavy lifting of reading hundreds of books and journal articles. Beware the danger of confirmation bias. I often return to an adage in my field: "Every heretic has their verse." The weakest, most idiotic, most illogical and uninformed opinion will find a companion somewhere in the world.

Finally, what method are you employing? Research isn't just reading; it's reading according to a prescribed mode of inquiry. Are you reading critically? What are the known weaknesses of the argument you're employing? Is your evidence current? As you develop your research, invite others and demand of yourself to be ruthless in examining your work. There should be no shelter from the brutal eye of review. If you find yourself and those you follow categorically dismissing the checks and balances of the respective community, you are in dangerous waters.

#4 - Are you prepared to make incredible sacrifices of time and energy for this project?

Research is not a task that you complete in a week, month, or even a year. Doing your own research is a years-long commitment to becoming an expert in a particular field of study. Life is filled with such vocations. From mechanics to commercial vehicle drivers, to lifeguards, to IT technicians, to professors: one develops expertise over years of hard work and experience.

We desire certainty over the experiences of life, and all face a dangerous illusion that for every encounter, answers are always within arms reach. We are the culture, after all, of the quick fix and instant gratification. In research, such a thing is a fantasy.

Maybe you've jumped too far ahead. Perhaps you aren't at the stage where doing your own research is in your near future. That's OK! If you want to learn about fixing engines, you start by talking to a well-known mechanic. If you're going to be an expert swimmer, you take lessons from someone who crushes laps. Find the respected people in your field of interest and become students of their work. Would you take your car to a shop that has 1 star on Google? Would you take swimming lessons from the lifeguard who has been fired from every job they held? Of course not. So why would you follow the research of the discredited doctors who have lost their licenses? The scientists who have failed in their primary task of having their work replicated and proven right by their peers?

Well, that's all. If you can answers these questions well and truthfully, you have a bright future ahead as a researcher!