Mike’s Top Ten Hints for research/study

1 - jump through the hoops. The aim is to convince the examiners that you know how to study, as well as demonstrating your knowledge. Don’t be a rebel. Don’t try to change the world.

2- rule of 3s. Everything has a beginning, middle and end. Research and study has three parts - planning, doing it and finishing it. Lectures, reports and essays have three parts - introduction, the main bit and a conclusion.

3 - plan backwards from you deadline. Proof reading, writing, researching, planning.

4 - right first time. Having to go back to do bits again because you did not get enough detail really slows you up!

5 - do too much. Take too many notes. Create bibliographies. If you don’t do enough work it will show; it will make you look lazy.

6 - be flexible. Have a plan B. Be prepared to change your aims if you find that the resources are not available or results are heading in the wrong direction.

7 - it always takes longer than you think it will. There are no short cuts. Nobody else can do it for you.

8 - leave it out! Yes you have spent a long time on the research, but the examiner has to mark it along with lots of other peoples work. Don’t go over the word count. Don’t bore the examiner. Pick out the best "story" and make it interesting. You can always use the extra bits some other time!

9 - don’t spend too long planning. You still have to do the studying/research.

10 - don’t be afraid to ask for help if you are struggling or don’t understand. (But don’t do it too often!!)

11 - start today.

(Mike Horne, June 2006)