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Can I work on independent research while not being a high school student?

My country’s academic system is different than the US. So, I have already graduated and I’m 18 still not in university, but I really want to do an independent research project and try to get it published somewhere. Is it possible or legitimate for me to do it on my own without teachers or help and use this project as an activity for my college application? It’s actually a passion project and not to make my application look good, however, I have seen that most of these are done with mentors and such and I don’t have one available and I am unsure on where and how I could find one. I wouldn’t need a lab because it’s for a psychology social research, I would just need people to answer a few questions I would formulate on a form and I would go from there.

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Michael’s Answer

Yes you can!!! All people are born with individual identities! Individual thought processes! Individual visions! Individual loves. What we have become is indoctrinated by someone else’s idea of who we are! When we are given a passion or an idea, we each must move towards and complete the task, then we are self realized. That world and its systems will be moved further along by independent people with their own sets of beliefs! They pursue those beliefs and contributed them to society! Most have positive impact and some not so positive! What appears to me is that you what you want to do, is what many people wish to do but don’t do because of fear and procrastination! Go forward with your vision and from that one vision, many more will spring from it! Keep me posted on your progress! It is yours to conquer, build and succeed!!!!
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Michael. Gabriela
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Karin’s Answer

Hi Gabriela,

I would recommend that you find a mentor now, before you start the project. It will make the research better and easier to publish.

Most importantly, when you experiment on people, which is essentially what you are doing, there are all kinds of guidelines and ethical rules to observe to make sure you are not harming anyone. Even if you just participate in a high-school science fair you need ethical approval. At a university your proposal has to through an ethics board. I would be surprised if a journal would not ask for that as well. See e.g. here:

https://www.societyforscience.org/isef/international-rules/human-participants/

Other than that, it's a great idea and will certainly be beneficial for college applications.

Good luck!

KP
Thank you comment icon That’s good to know, thank you Karin. Gabriela
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome! Karin P.
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Kety’s Answer

Good day Gabriela,

Conducting a research project sounds like a very interesting idea. Have you conducted a literature review to find out if other similar research studies have been already conducted? I will additionally recommend to taking a look at the Ethical Principles of Psychologist and Code of Conduct. Consider the type of study that you will be conducting, for example, Quantitative or Qualitative research analysis.

Looking forward to hearing more about your study.

Best,
Kety
Thank you comment icon I will be looking into that, thank you Kety. Gabriela
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Michelle’s Answer

Hello, Gabriella !

Your plan for this research project sounds excellent. I am not sure about how things are in Sampa, but my advice is that this is something that you want to do so definitely follow through with it. People in the U.S. do independent studies all the time, especially students. This project will be something you have completed before enrolling in college and I think that will be a benefit for you in many ways. It will show the college admission staff that you know how to conduct study projects, have leadership qualities, have research skills and work well independently.

My advice is to do the study and when it is complete and you have written your paper on it, think of a teacher or a professor at a college that can advise you about being published. My suggestion is that because it is not being done officially under any college or company name, think about publishing it as an article or web content with your name in the by line. It doesn't have to be published in the psychology trades, as long as you submit it anywhere and it gets published, that will be an accomplishment and a great way to share your findings with the public. I encourage you to start on this project.

Some research publishing websites are : arXiv, Research Gate, PLOS ONE, Zenodo, Social Science Research Network, Figshare, PeerJ and Research Square.

I hope this is of help and I wish you all the best going forward with your awesome project !
Thank you comment icon Thank you for the advice, Michelle. Gabriela
Thank you comment icon You are very welcome, Gabriela ! Michelle M.
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Sumant’s Answer

Hello Gabriela,

First and foremost, I want to commend you for your determination and passion. It's truly inspiring! Keep going!

Moreover, I highly recommend seeking out a mentor who can provide you with valuable insights for your research. This guidance will undoubtedly prove beneficial as you navigate through your research journey.

Wishing you nothing but success in all your future endeavors.

Best Regards,
Sumant
Thank you comment icon Thanks for the advice. Gabriela
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