Here's how you can master research skills through self-directed learning.

During my studies, I remember a primary concern being: 'How will I complete all these (three, 6,000 word) assignments in a single week?'. As a double BA Journalism and Creative Writing student, the pressure to produce the best (most well-researched) work whilst being the most efficient was high. So I sat myself down, did some deep-dive thinking and decided to follow a new method. The trick was to be as organised as possible, so as to avoid confusion. This meant: 'Clean Visuals and Idea'. As clear as possible. I immediately rummaged through Wilko, bought the neatest looking notebook and titled it 'Research Only'. After that it was easy. Find sources: Copy links on notebook Find info: Write it under links. Then add a title for every section!

Setting clear goals is like drawing a roadmap for your research journey. It's not just about ticking off tasks; it's about envisioning what you want to achieve and why it matters. Before delving into our research, we should take a moment to reflect on what we hope to accomplish. We should define our objectives in a way that resonates with our aspirations and the significance of our topic. This upfront clarity not only keeps us focused but also fuels our motivation as we strive towards our research goals.

I mean, yes, you have to be focused in your research. But if it’s self directed, why not, and I say this carefully - why not read around the topic? Why not be wide to start, so as to see what there is that you don’t know at the circumference of your topic? Take a little time to play, to centre yourself, and explore. And then when you have a little perspective, start at the research that’s been burning inside of you. Now’s the time to be super focused and organised, to hone in what you what to pinpoint. What would that look like? I fall back upon skeleton arguments, something that was drilled in from barrister training days. Never forget your skellie. That will literally be the backbone of your argument. You will always come back to this.

After setting your research goals, identifying the right sources of information is crucial. In a recent project, I found that diversifying my sources significantly improved the depth of my research. I used a mix of books, academic journals, reputable websites, and specialized databases. Understanding the difference between primary sources, like firsthand studies and direct evidence, and secondary sources, such as analyses and interpretations, allowed me to gather comprehensive and reliable data. This strategic approach ensured that my research was well-rounded and credible, making it more impactful.

So you’ve decided what you’re going to write about, and probably have an understanding of what lies around your topic. What do others say of your topic? Now’s the time to dive into research in an ordered, yet indulgent way. I encourage starting with primary research, then once you feel you have a good idea of what you want to use there, moving into secondary to step back and take stock and see what other experts in your field are saying. Important to know what you’re saying before you bring in other experts, as you don’t want to be derivative. Then go back over the primary research to see what you’ve missed, follow leads to go into less important areas of your thesis, see if there’s anything you missed, or cross the i’s and dot the t’s.

Evaluating the content you encounter is crucial for quality research. During a recent study, I found it essential to scrutinize every piece of information for credibility and relevance. I checked the authors' credentials, publication dates, and the publishers' reputations to ensure reliability. Peer-reviewed articles were particularly valuable as they had undergone rigorous evaluation by experts. Additionally, cross-referencing information helped verify accuracy. This thorough evaluation process ensured that my research was built on trustworthy, up-to-date sources, significantly enhancing its validity and impact.

When you're diving into research, it's like exploring a treasure chest. But not every jewel is valuable. You've got to look closely at where each piece comes from. Check who wrote it, when it was published, and if it's been reviewed by experts. Think of it as separating the real gold from the shiny rocks. By doing this, you make sure your research is built on solid ground, using trustworthy and up-to-date information.

It’s so important to clarify that you’re not quoting from someone who is unreliable, who has not derived their research in less than salubrious ways, and is a voice that can be relied upon. However, I must say, if you are going against the tide, do it. But do it impeccably. Make sure that you are making an iron-clad assertion, and if you are going against the big dogs in your field (and you fully agree with yourself!), this is the point where you bear down and support your arguments.

You will never regret this - as a lawyer, write down every case, every journal, every article, every book as you read it, with some jottings of what you distilled from the reading. With regard to your research, of course, not generally. Trust me, you’ll be grateful coming down to the wire or deadline when you’re wondering where that book was that you found right at the beginning in that library in that other country you visited…

You owe it not just to yourself, but to your potential audience to be critically analytical. There is honestly not much use to you if you’re not using your big beautiful brain to just regurgitate what you’ve been told. No, you must take the bull full on and quite squarely by the horns. You must critically engage with the material and look under every rock and stone to fully understand the issues at hand. Was are the laws triggered? Who disagrees? What is the obiter? Who said it? Was it a Lord Denning type or a Clarence Thomas type? Who are the utterly marginalized in the picture, and what do they have to say? What’s the unexpected human rights or environmental issue? Who wants to sue? Why was the FOI file redacted? Ask all the questions.

Analyzing critically means going beyond just knowing the info. It's about questioning everything: the context, how it was done, and what it means. Watch out for biases or assumptions that could mess with the results. Think about other angles and opposing views. When you dig deep like this, you get better at forming strong opinions backed by solid research.

Synthesizing knowledge is like connecting the dots of what you've learned. You gather info from various places and blend it into a clear picture of your topic. Hunt for common threads and main ideas in your research. This process helps you see the bigger picture and might spark fresh ideas or questions, keeping your curiosity alive and your research skills sharp.