Navigating Research Subjects Overwhelming for Undergrad College Students: A Survival Guide
By Xander Jenkin, Natural Sciences Correspondent
Undergraduate research can be a daunting prospect, especially when the topic is unfamiliar. However, it's essential to remember that this is often the case, and there are strategies to help you navigate through it effectively.
One approach is to adopt interdisciplinary methods, integrating theories and frameworks from various disciplines to shed light on your research question. For instance, a political science student might delve into linguistics, communication, psychology, and feminist studies to enrich their analysis. Building a solid theoretical framework ensures coherence and deeper insight throughout your research paper.
Gathering background information is another crucial step. Techniques like brainstorming, mind mapping, and focused keyword tracking can help you refine your research question as needed. Advisers often provide background materials for students to review before starting a project, and it's important to remember that understanding everything the first time might not be possible.
Coping with the mental challenge of tackling new topics requires behavioural and mental health strategies. Establishing daily and weekly routines that balance research work with self-care practices such as exercise, relaxation, and mindfulness can reduce anxiety and improve focus. Behaviour modification approaches, which apply reinforcement to encourage positive habits like healthy sleep, nutrition, and exercise, further support resilience and coping among undergraduates during academic transitions.
In the Junior Paper (JP) process, it's common for students to work with professors on advanced topics they have never studied before, such as quantum field theory in physics or Late Antiquity in Art History. Every researcher at some point gets thrown into a new topic they know nothing about, but advisers are there to guide the direction of the project. If meetings with advisers are sparse, students can search for answers to their questions from other sources or ask other students in the group.
Asking questions is also important, especially in a lab setting, to ensure safety when working with equipment. Taking notes while reading background information can help students remember key points and have questions for their advisers.
It's worth noting that some professors may assume students know "basic" things about their field that they have just encountered for the first time. In such cases, don't hesitate to ask questions to clarify your understanding.
This article does not discuss human or animal subject research, specific research projects or topics, specific safety measures or precautions in a lab setting, or any specific blog application process. Nor does it provide advice on shattering the glass ceiling for women undergraduate researchers. However, it aims to reassure students that managing unfamiliar undergraduate research topics involves interdisciplinary learning, structured theoretical grounding, flexible topic management, and applying mental health strategies to sustain well-being and resilience throughout the research journey.
Embracing interdisciplinary learning can be beneficial for undergraduate research, as evidenced by a political science student who incorporated linguistics, communication, psychology, and feminist studies into their analysis for a junior paper. Personal growth and learning are crucial components of the education-and-self-development process, with strategies such as daily routines, exercise, and mindfulness aiding in coping with the mental challenge of tackling new topics.
