Conducting Your Own Research Project

What exactly is a research plan? Why do you need one? People make plans to be sure that they will succeed. They plan so that they will get "from Point A to Point B" as the expression goes. Your plan is like a roadmap . It will help you find your way from Point A to Point B.

What is "Point A"? Point A is your starting point. You have your research idea - that is Point A. What is "Point B"? It is your final goal or product. Examples would include: your science fair project (and an EXCELLENT grade) or a completed research or term paper.

A plan is a combination of several things. It's a "recipe", a "budget" and a "blueprint" all rolled into one!

Have you ever heard the phrase "the shortest distance between two points is a straight line"? (It is also a mathematical fact!) People use this expression to convey the idea of performing a job very effectively. Why would you want to spend more time, money, or take "wrong turns" (wrong steps) or get somewhere? You want to get your project done and succeed. Your plan will make the project easier for you to accomplish, less frustrating and stressful.