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Contribute to the scientific community by conducting a scientific research project. Although everyone has their own methods, this is one method you might find useful to try.

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Steps

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    1
    Identify an area of general interest.
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    2
    Search for all areas on the topic, looking in general interest articles and web sites (for example Wikipedia and Wikibooks).
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    3
    Search for literature. Find a minimum of 50 abstracts, using keywords from Internet searches.
  4. 4
    Use the citation count (Google Scholar) to determine the most important articles.
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    5
    Obtain the articles. This can be done through inter-library loans, online archive sites such as arXiv.org, or by purchasing them (purchase as a last resort, as articles can be expensive). Read the articles, and develop an outline/concept map of the field you are studying.
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    Find further articles through references until you exhaust either your topic or yourself.
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    Outline your research plan. Exactly what do you want to prove and how will you prove it?
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    Contact authors (especially in your field) for their recommendations.
  9. 9
    Apply for research grants and find a facility to conduct your experiment in. Identify needed tools, and create an overall estimated cost of the research.
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    Conduct your experiment.
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    Record your results, making sure they are detailed and replicable.
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    12
    Write a research paper and apply for publication.
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Tips

  • Find an area group of like-minded people, or join an online discussion forum.
  • Print and save biweekly progress reports in binders. This will help to organize your records.
  • Choose an area that truly interests you, or it will become tedious.
  • Keep a log of all activities. This will make it easier for others to determine how you reached your conclusion. It will also help you to remember.

Warnings

  • Keep up to date on all current research projects. Otherwise, you may find your research being done elsewhere.

Things You'll Need

  • Computer
  • Ideas
  • Library card
  • Internet
  • A curious mind
  • Time!

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Sources and Citations

Article Info

Categories: Science

In other languages:

Español: realizar una investigación científica, Русский: проводить научное исследование, Português: Conduzir uma Pesquisa Científica

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