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How can I do research projects for fun ?

Kind of a silly question, but I really want to start doing research/passion projects for fun (outside of a classroom setting) and I'm not sure how to start/ get motivated.

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Thank you comment icon Yes, you can start searching about call for research papers.. if you want to write on particular discipline or a subject.. google that keyword too along. Hira Anum
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Kim’s Answer

Understanding research is such an important skill but also one that is really applicable to all jobs! Learning how to think critically to solve a problem can be helpful in any field and even in everyday life. To get motivated, I would echo what others have been saying: start reading! Figure out 1-2 topics that really get you fired up, and then start reading about that topic. When you're reading, try to think deeply about the things you're seeing. Why are things this way? How can we fix it? Additionally, another fork in the road you have to consider is what kind of research you're interested in! Research looks different in every field, so narrowing down what you're interested in can help narrow down the research you can start to do. Lastly, I would suggest looking up, "basic research methods" to try and learn the scientific method process! That's a great start to learning the basics of scientific research, and it can serve as a springboard for other interests you may have. Good luck!
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Omolola’s Answer

Research is interesting but if it is an area you are not passionate about, you may start but not see it through to completion. I will suggest you write a list of topics that interest and search out what has been done in those areas and what new technology or approach you can apply that would be different from what is already available. I hope this helps.
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Annelise’s Answer

I also loved research as a student, but needed a way to hold myself accountable to actually doing it instead of just thinking about it. In college, I was able to find a job on campus as a department assistant and reached out to professors to see if any of them needed research assistance. I would use scholar.google.com to research topics my professors needed to know about. I would download articles and annotate them, then pass them off to the professors, then they'd come back to me to edit their articles.
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Rebecca’s Answer

Thank you for your question. I am glad to hear that you are interested to do research projects.
In fact, you will have fun if you have interest on it.
Below are my suggestions:
1. Identity the subjects your have interest first
2. Think about a few topics you would like to do research
3. Seek the guidance from the professor on the proposed topics
4. Shortlist 1-2 topics
5. Look for the professor to be the mentor / instructor for the research
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
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Kim’s Answer

What makes you curious?

Mine usually start with "I wonder. . . "

I wonder why this city doesn't freeze property taxes for seniors? That was a mistake. I ended up spearheading the campaign!

I wonder how that city can legally enforce traffic law on private property? That was interesting. I found out the police chief told the city council he did a traffic survey. They took him at his word, but, no such survey existed.

I wonder what the terms of our city manager's contract are? I wonder how it compares to other similar-sized cities (current project).

As you can see, mine revolve around law and government. It's very complicated, because, laws are in codes - traffic code, penal code, administrative code, election code, etc., but sometimes you need to read in multiple codes to get the whole picture, even in codes that don't seem relevant.

If you can tell us things that interest you, perhaps we can help you get started!

research is fun!
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Vitus’s Answer

Being inquisitive is a great trait to have! There are so many different directions you have take with this question. A broader and simplistic approach you can take take is to, first, ask yourself a question and, second, hypothesis and research an answer/solution.

Google might become your best friend with these projects and hey if your up to it learning data analytic skills will take you really far.

Example:
(your question) How has covid affected national college graduation rates?
(research/resource gathering) Gather secondary data, organizing and analyzing.
(possible answer) yes, no, maybe, etc.

From here you can test your answer or find alternatives but I say this is a great place to start and you're only limited by your creativity!

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