
Trying to answer a research question as an Honors student can be a trying experience, especially when it’s your first foray into the field. But, actually, the same is true if you are exploring a field that you have have an academic or professional understanding of for some time. Because the research process itself is new, the strategy you choose for going about this endeavor may turn out not to be optimal or may even not be workable given the scope of your project and the time frame you have. This is where I found myself in early February of this semester, and I can tell you firsthand that realizing that you are pursuing a dead end on a project of this magnitude is distressing.
My thesis looked at how different strategies in mediation, a system of dispute resolution involving a neutral third party who aids in the resolution process, affect the quality of a mediated outcome. I had devised a strategy using computer analysis to examine if the media reported that the outcome of disputes where positive or negative. In retrospect this was a bold choice, as I had little experience with operating such a program nor was I familiar with tracking down relevant reports and articles about disputes. It was only when I had finally gotten to the point where I could start my data collection and analysis did I realize that I was out of my depth.
The realization that I lacked the ability to properly conduct this analysis was hard. I was at a point where some of my peers had finished their data analysis, yet I was at a standstill. In the next few weeks, I learned a few lessons from the experience of getting my thesis back on track. And so, I share these lessons that I am confident would have eased my mind and made the process of changing my thesis much smoother if I had known them then.
- Trust your intuition
- If you are having doubts about the strategy you have chosen to analyze your research question don’t dismiss it out of perceived convenience or a belief that you don’t know about the research process to substantiate these doubts. When I first felt unsure about my strategy, I dismissed it at first. Not only was I caught up in the busy life of a senior at O’Neill, but I am someone who tends to wish to fully analyze a situation before making a judgment. Unfortunately, by the time I realized that my intuition was correct, the front end of my draft was due in just nine days. This resulted in me frantically working to come up with a new strategy and revise my draft, something that could have been avoided if I had just trusted my intuition.
- Create a Solid Foundation for your Research
- When I did finally decide to choose a new strategy for my research the process of revising the draft of my thesis was expedited thanks to me already having a strong introduction and literature review. Although I did have to edit these parts, having them written so that they were comprehensive and flexible to change made it so I did not have to redo my entire thesis when changing my analytical strategy.
- Consult with Your Support Network
- Having to make a research strategy can be a daunting task, especially when your first attempt at it failed. When faced with such a daunting task, it is best not to go it alone. First, reaching out to your advisor should be your first move. They have a wealth of experience in the field and know what is typically successful in the field you are working in and can therefore help you get back on track. Secondly, your peers can often be helpful in finding resources, helping you reason through a problem, or even improving your peace of mind by meeting for coffee or going out to dinner. In fact, a member of my writing group found the database that I ended up using as my source of data.
- Keep it in Perspective
- Having a setback is not the end of the world, and it is certainly not the end of your thesis. With work and a level head any obstacle in this process can be overcome. Keeping yourself from spiraling is the key to remaining productive when faced with adversity in this process, and after making these changes to your thesis you will likely feel better about the quality of your work.
Reed Rouch is a senior at Indiana University Bloomington receiving his Bachelors of Science in Public Affairs from the O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Reed is majoring in Law and Public Policy with a particular interest in the law. After graduating he hopes to spend a year serving others before beginning the process of obtaining his law degree.
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