How do you do research as a high schooler?

How can a high school student get involved in research?

Whenever I bring this up, people often say something like, “You just connect with a professor, work on a project, and then publish it.” But honestly, that sounds incredibly vague and a bit unrealistic.

How is someone supposed to conduct research that typically requires extensive knowledge and credentials as a high school student? I could be wrong, so please feel free to correct me!

I have a few questions that I hope someone can clarify for me:

  1. What does “doing research” actually entail for a high school student? I understand I can find basic definitions online, but they don’t provide much clarity. Despite asking several people and searching extensively, I still feel lost.

  2. How does one initiate their own research? What foundational knowledge do you need in that field, and who should you seek out for guidance?

  3. What’s the distinction between your research and a simple Google Docs presentation that references established research by professionals? What elements make your work credible?

I’m genuinely seeking answers. It seems like research opportunities often come up in discussions about summer programs, and I want to understand what it really involves.

This is not a joke—I’m earnestly looking for answers.

One Reply to “How do you do research as a high schooler?”

  1. It’s great that you’re eager to learn more about research as a high schooler! It can seem daunting at first, but there are definitely ways to get involved and gain experience. Here’s a breakdown to help clarify your questions:

    1. What is “doing research” as a high schooler?

    Doing research as a high schooler often involves investigating a specific question or problem in a subject area that interests you. This can include:
    – Literature Review: Reading existing material to understand the current knowledge in the field.
    – Formulating a Hypothesis: Based on what you’ve learned, you come up with a question or hypothesis to investigate.
    – Experimentation/Investigation: Depending on the field, this might involve conducting experiments, creating surveys, or performing field studies.
    – Analyzing Results: Collecting and analyzing the data you’ve gathered.
    – Presenting Findings: Sharing your results through a paper, presentation, or even submitting them to a journal.

    Research does not need to reach the same rigor as that conducted by professionals; high school research can often be simpler, more exploratory, and is a stepping stone to build your skills.

    2. How do you start your own research?

    Here are steps to kickstart your research journey:

    • Choose a Topic: Pick something you are passionate about or curious to learn more about. This could be a question you’ve had or a problem you want to explore.
    • Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with the fundamentals of your chosen field. This could involve taking relevant classes, reading textbooks, or watching educational videos.
    • Find a Mentor: Reach out to teachers, professors, or professionals in the field who might be open to guiding you or allowing you to assist them in their research.
    • Explore Opportunities: Look for summer programs, internships, or science fairs where you can get hands-on experience and mentorship.

    3. What makes your research “research”?

    Your research is “research” when it involves a systematic investigation into a question or problem. Here’s how to differentiate it from a simple presentation:

    • Originality: While it’s okay to reference existing work, your research should aim to offer new insights or contributions, even if they are small.
    • Methodology: Good research employs a systematic approach, whether it’s a scientific method in experiments or qualitative analysis in social sciences.
    • Critical Thinking: Research requires you to think critically about the information you gather and to analyze it in a way that contributes knowledge to your subject area.
    • Communication of Findings: Publishing your findings, presenting at conferences, or even entering competitions adds legitimacy to your work, showing that it can stand up to scrutiny and contribute to the academic conversation.

    Final Thoughts

    Engaging in research as a high schooler is a valuable experience that helps develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills. Remember, every researcher starts somewhere, and the key is to take initiative, seek guidance, and stay curious. Good luck, and enjoy your journey into research!

    Reply

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